Exposure of U.S. workers to environmental tobacco smoke.

Introduction:
This text provides an overview of a study examining the exposure of U.S. workers to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), also known as secondhand smoke. The study measures the concentrations of ETS in various workplaces and compares them to those found in homes. The study also explores the effectiveness of different policies in reducing ETS exposure in the workplace.

Key Points:

* The concentrations of ETS in workplaces are measured using nicotine or other tracers.
* Policies restricting workplace smoking to designated areas have been shown to reduce ETS concentrations, but their effectiveness varies among worksites.
* Policies that ban smoking in the workplace are the most effective and generally lower all nicotine concentrations to less than 1 pg/m3.
* Mean nicotine concentrations in workplaces that allow smoking generally range from 2 to 6 pg/m3 in offices, from 3 to 8 pg/m3 in restaurants, and from 1 to 6 pg/m3 in the workplaces of blue-collar workers.
* Mean nicotine concentrations from 1 to 3 pg/m3 have been measured in the homes of smokers.
* Workplace concentrations of ETS are highly variable, and some concentrations are more than 10 times higher than the average home levels, which have been established to cause lung cancer, heart disease, and other adverse health effects.
* For the approximately 30% of workers exposed to ETS in the workplace but not at home, workplace exposure is the principal source of ETS.
* among those with home exposures, exposures at work may exceed those resulting from home.

Main Message:
The study concludes that a significant number of U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous levels of ETS. This exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and other adverse health effects. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing effective policies to reduce ETS exposure in the workplace, particularly policies that ban smoking entirely. By doing so, employers can help protect the health and well-being of their employees.

hammond, S Katharine. “Exposure of U.S. Workers to Environmental Tobacco Smoke.” Environmental health Perspectives 107 (1999).