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Cancer Causes & Control

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01-01-2011 | Brief report

Secondhand smoke exposure in bars and restaurants in Guatemala City: before and after smoking ban evaluation

Authors: Joaquin Barnoya, Mariel Arvizu, Miranda R. Jones, Juan C. Hernandez, Patrick N. Breysse, Ana Navas-Acien

Published in: Cancer Causes & Control | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

Objective

In February 2009, Guatemala implemented a comprehensive smoking ban. We assessed air nicotine levels in bars and restaurants 6 months after the ban (post-ban) and compared them with levels found in 2006 (pre-ban).

Methods

Exposure was estimated by passive sampling of vapor-phase nicotine using samplers (n = 50) placed for 7 working days in 10 bars and 11 restaurants in Guatemala City. Air nicotine was measured by gas chromatography, and the time-weighted average concentration in μg/m³ was estimated. Employees answered a survey about smoke-free workplaces (n = 32) and compared with pre-ban (n = 37) results.

Results

Nicotine was detectable in all bars pre- and post-ban. In restaurants, it was detectable in all pre- and 73% post-ban. Median nicotine concentrations in bars significantly decreased from 4.58 μg/m³ (IQR, 1.71, 6.45) pre-ban to 0.28 μg/m³ (IQR 0.17, 0.66) post-ban (87% decrease). In restaurants, concentrations significantly decreased from 0.58 μg/m³ (IQR, 0.44, 0.71) to 0.04 μg/m³ (IQR 0.01, 0.11) (95% decrease). Employees’ support for a smoke-free workplace increased in the post-ban survey (from 32 to 81%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Six months after the implementation of a smoke-free law in Guatemala, nicotine levels were significantly decreased in bars and restaurants and workers’ support for the law substantially increased.

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Title: Secondhand smoke exposure in bars and restaurants in Guatemala City: before and after smoking ban evaluation
Authors: Joaquin Barnoya
Mariel Arvizu
Miranda R. Jones
Juan C. Hernandez
Patrick N. Breysse
Ana Navas-Acien
Publication date: 01-01-2011
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: Cancer Causes & Control / Issue 1/2011
Print ISSN: 0957-5243
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7225
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-010-9673-8

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