Author of

• 11943

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  P2.23 - Poster Session 2 - Tobacco Control, Prevention and Chemoprevention (ID 163)

  • Event: WCLC 2013
  • Type: Poster Session
  • Track: Prevention & Epidemiology
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 10/29/2013, 09:30 - 16:30, Exhibit Hall, Ground Level

  • 11945

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    P2.23-002 - Protecting from second hand smoke: An assessment of SHS exposure in public places in two states of India (ID 2195)

    09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): G.P. Nazar
    • Abstract

    Background
    Lung cancer caused 1.37 million deaths in 2008 worldwide, 71% of which are caused due to tobacco smoking. Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure can lead to lung cancer. 60% of the global lung cancer deaths occur in low and middle income countries (WHO). Despite the existing prohibition on smoking in public places in India (Section 4, COTPA), the prevalence of SHS exposure is 40% in homes, 30% in workplaces and 17-48% in other public places. The objective of this study was to describe air quality through PM~2.5~ and air nicotine levels, as well as smoking behavior, in public places and hospitality venues in two Indian states, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh (AP).

    Methods
    A random sample of 400 public places was recruited; stratified into hospitality venues (N=200) and other public places (N=200). The air nicotine study was conducted in a subsample of 38 venues out of those recruited. Air nicotine monitors were put in place for 1 week according to standard protocol. PM 2.5 side packs, indicative of ambient SHS, were used with 30 minutes spent each in several rooms including restrooms and offices at each venue. Median and range were reported as the data was skewed.

    Results
    Air Nicotine monitoring - Detectable levels of air nicotine were found in all building types. In Gujarat, the highest recorded air nicotine concentrations were found in Hospitals (3.319 ug/m[3]), however the highest median air nicotine concentration was recorded in Tea Shops (0.214 ug/m[3]), followed by Railway Station, Waiting Rooms and Restaurants. In AP, air nicotine was highest in Bars/Pubs (median value: 4.445 ug/m[3]), followed by the Tea Shop and Hospitals. 90% of the hospitals monitored in Gujarat and 80% in AP registered smoking on the premises. PM~2.5~ monitoring – Overall, across the states, the highest median PM~2.5~ concentrations were found in recreational venues (44 μg/m[3]), followed by auditoriums (25 μg/m[3]) and offices (20 μg/m[3]). Transportation (19 μg/m[3]), hospitals (15 μg/m[3]) and educational venues (14 μg/m[3]) also recorded PM~2.5~ concentrations. PM~2.5~ levels were significantly higher in places where smoking was observed. PM2.5 levels were significantly higher in hospitality venues as against other public places.

    Conclusion
    Concentration of tobacco smoke and nicotine was found in most public places including hospitals and government offices. Apart from violation of Section 4 of COTPA these results also suggest that the smoke-free policy as currently implemented is not effectively protecting the masses from SHS and the resulting adverse effects including lung cancer. There is an urgent need to strengthen compliance with smokefree laws at all levels, while provision of designated smoking areas should be removed from the law to ensure 100% protection from SHS.