dc.contributor.author | Saade, Georges | |
dc.contributor.author | Seidenberg, Andrew B | |
dc.contributor.author | Rees, Vaughan Wallis | |
dc.contributor.author | Otrock, Zaher | |
dc.contributor.author | Connolly, Gregrory N. | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2012-04-12T16:02:38Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2010 | |
dc.identifier.citation | Saade, Georges, Andrew B. Seidenberg, Vaughan W. Rees, Zaher Otrock, and Gregory N. Connolly. 2010. Indoor secondhand tobacco smoke emission levels in six Lebanese cities. Tobacco Control 19(2): 138-142. | en_US |
dc.identifier.issn | 0964-4563 | en_US |
dc.identifier.uri | http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:8553496 | |
dc.description.abstract | Background: To date, Lebanon has failed to enact comprehensive clean indoor air laws despite ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which calls for the protection of non-smokers from exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS). Complicating the problem of SHS exposure in Lebanon is the widespread use of the tobacco water-pipe. While most research on SHS has involved cigarette smoking as a source of emissions, other sources, including tobacco water-pipes, may be an important contributor. Methods: \(PM_{2.5}\) concentrations \((\mu g/m^3)\) were measured in a sample of 28 public venues located in six major Lebanese cities. Active smoker density (number of smokers\(/100 m^3\)) was calculated for both water-pipe and cigarette smokers. Venues were then categorised as having higher density of water-pipe smokers or higher density of cigarette smokers, and resultant emission levels were compared between the two groups. Results: Cigarette and water-pipe smoking was observed in 14 venues, while cigarette smoking only and water-pipe smoking only were found in 12 venues and one venue, respectively. Among all smoking-permitted venues, the mean \(PM_{2.5}\) concentration was \(342 \mu g/m^3\). Venues with a higher density of water-pipe smokers \((n =14)\) showed a similar median \(PM_{2.5}\) concentration \(349 \mu g/m^3\) compared with venues with a higher density of cigarette smokers \((n =13; 241 \mu g/m^3; p=0.159)\). The mean \(PM_{2.5}\) concentration in the single venue with a voluntary smoke-free policy was \(6 \mu g/m^3\). Conclusions: Despite ratification of the FCTC in 2005, both cigarette and water-pipe smoking are commonly practised in enclosed public places throughout Lebanon, leading to unsafe levels of indoor particulate pollution. Smoke-free policies are needed in Lebanon to protect the public's health, and should apply to all forms of tobacco smoking. | en_US |
dc.language.iso | en_US | en_US |
dc.publisher | BMJ Group | en_US |
dc.relation.isversionof | doi:10.1136/tc.2009.030460 | en_US |
dc.relation.hasversion | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989171/pdf/ | en_US |
dash.license | LAA | |
dc.title | Indoor Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Emission Levels in Six Lebanese Cities | en_US |
dc.type | Journal Article | en_US |
dc.description.version | Version of Record | en_US |
dc.relation.journal | Tobacco Control | en_US |
dash.depositing.author | Connolly, Gregrory N. | |
dc.date.available | 2012-04-12T16:02:38Z | |
dash.affiliation.other | SPH^Center for Global Tobacco Control Research | en_US |
dc.identifier.doi | 10.1136/tc.2009.030460 | * |
dash.contributor.affiliated | Rees, Vaughan | |
dash.contributor.affiliated | Seidenberg, Andrew | |
dash.contributor.affiliated | Connolly, Gregrory | |