Secondhand smoke (SHS) is a known human carcinogeni, and is responsible for an estimated 50,000 deaths and other illnesses each yearii. Secondhand smoke exposure remains a major public health concern, although it is entirely preventableiii,iv. In 2006, the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that “there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke†and that “eliminating smoking in indoor spaces fully protects nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke. Separating smokers from nonsmokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings cannot exposures of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke.â€
Policies requiring smoke free environments are the most effective method for reducing secondhand smoke exposure in public places. Currently, 24 states have enacted smoke free workplace laws that cover all workplaces—including workplaces such as bars and restaurants—and this represents approximately 60% of the U.S. population.
In order to protect the public’s health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set limits of 15 μg/m3 as the average annual level of PM2.5 exposure and 35 μg/m3 24-hour exposure. PM2.5 is the concentration of particulate matter in the air smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter. Particles of this size are released in significant amounts from burning cigarettes and are easily inhaled deep into the lungs.
The study assessed indoor air quality in all 11 casinos located in Indiana during visits in April and
May, 2008.
The average level of fine particle indoor air pollution on the casino gaming floors was 14 times higher than outdoor background levels and PM2.5 levels considered healthy by the US EPA.
Study Highlights
ï‚· The average level of fine particle indoor air pollution on the gaming floor was 159 μg/m3 (range 30 – 323 μg/m3), 14 times higher than outdoor background levels.
ï‚· Employees and patrons of these casinos are exposed to very unhealthy levels of fine particle air pollution exposure according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Quality Index.
 A full-time casino employee’s average annual PM2.5 exposure would be three times the annual limit that is considered healthy.
The only way to eliminate the health risks of tobacco smoke pollution exposure is to establish smoke free workplaces. Despite the ventilation systems installed at these casinos, employees and patrons are exposed to elevated and potentially harmful levels of fine particle air pollution as a result of indoor smoking.
Referemces:
i. National Toxicology Program. 9th Report on Carcinogens 2000. Research Triangle Park, NC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; 2000.
ii. CDC. Annual smoking-attributable mortality, years of potential life lost, and economic costs – United States, 1995-1999; MMWR
2002;51(14):300-320.
iii. Second national report on human exposure to environmental chemicals. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, 2003.
iv. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Reducing tobacco use: a report of the Surgeon General. Washington, D.C.: US Government
Printing Office, 2000.
v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The health consequences of involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke: a report of
the Surgeon General.Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, 2006.
vi. Hopkins DP, Briss PA, Ricard CJ, Husten CG, Carande-Kulis VG, Fielding JE, et al. Reviews of evidence regarding interventions to reduce
tobacco use and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Am J Prev Med 2001;20(2 Suppl):16-66.
vii Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, January 2, 2008.
