The short-term impact of national smoke-free workplace legislation on passive smoking and tobacco use

Am J Public Health. 2001 Sep;91(9):1416-8. doi: 10.2105/ajph.91.9.1416.

Abstract

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the short-term impact of national smoke-free workplace legislation on employee exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at work and on employee smoking habits.

Methods: We performed 2 cross-sectional studies in 9 medium-sized and large Finnish workplaces, before and after implementation of national smoke-free workplace legislation. We assessed tobacco smoke exposure via questionnaire and indoor air nicotine measurements.

Results: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke declined considerably after the legislation was implemented. Tobacco consumption among smokers diminished. Nicotine concentrations fell significantly.

Conclusions: Legislation was more efficient than voluntary workplace-specific smoking restrictions in reducing passive smoking and cigarette consumption.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Finland / epidemiology
  • Health Services Research
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Occupational Exposure / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Occupational Exposure / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Exposure / statistics & numerical data
  • Occupational Health / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Prevalence
  • Program Evaluation
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Smoking Prevention
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / adverse effects
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / prevention & control*
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / statistics & numerical data
  • Workplace / legislation & jurisprudence*

Substances

  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution