Exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke in private vehicles: Measurements in air and dust samples

Background This study aimed to estimate airborne nicotine concentrations and nicotine, cotinine, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in settled dust from private cars in Spain and the UK. Methods We measured vapor-phase nicotine concentrations in a convenience sample of 45 private cars from Spain (N = 30) and the UK (N = 15) in 2017–2018. We recruited non-smoking drivers (n = 20), smoking drivers who do not smoke inside the car (n = 15), and smoking drivers who smoke inside (n = 10). Nicotine, cotinine, and three TSNAs (NNK, NNN, NNA) were also measured in settled dust in a random subsample (n = 20). We computed medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) of secondhand smoke (SHS) and thirdhand smoke (THS) compounds according to the drivers’ profile. Results 24-h samples yielded median airborne nicotine concentrations below the limit of quantification (<LOQ) (IQR:<LOQ- < LOQ) in non-smokers’ cars, 0.23 μg/m3 (IQR:0.18–0.45) in cars of smokers not smoking inside, and 3.53 μg/m3, (IQR:1.74–6.38) in cars of smokers smoking inside (p < 0.001). Nicotine concentrations measured only while travelling increased to 21.44 μg/m3 (IQR:6.60–86.15) in cars of smokers smoking inside. THS concentrations were higher in all cars of smokers, and specially in cars of drivers smoking inside (nicotine: 38.9  μg/g (IQR:19.3–105.7); NNK: 28.5 ng/g (IQR:26.6–70.2); NNN: 23.7 ng/g (IQR:14.3–55.3)), THS concentrations being up to six times those in non-smokers’ cars. Conclusions All cars of smokers had measurable SHS and THS pollution, the exposure levels were markedly higher in vehicles of drivers where smoking took place. Our results evidence the need for policies to prohibit smoking in vehicles, but also urge for more comprehensive strategies aiming towards the elimination of tobacco consumption

Exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke in private vehicles: Measurements in air and dust samples

Background: This study aimed to estimate airborne nicotine concentrations and nicotine, cotinine, and tobaccospecific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in settled dust from private cars in Spain and the UK. Methods: We measured vapor-phase nicotine concentrations in a convenience sample of 45 private cars from Spain (N = 30) and the UK (N = 15) in 2017-2018. We recruited non-smoking drivers (n = 20), smoking drivers who do not smoke inside the car (n = 15), and smoking drivers who smoke inside (n = 10). Nicotine, cotinine, and three TSNAs (NNK, NNN, NNA) were also measured in settled dust in a random subsample (n = 20). We computed medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) of secondhand smoke (SHS) and thirdhand smoke (THS) compounds according to the drivers' profile. Results: 24-h samples yielded median airborne nicotine concentrations below the limit of quantification (LOQ) (IQR

The work environment as a source of exposure to secondhand smoke: A study in workers of bars and restaurants of Santiago, Chile El ambiente laboral como fuente de exposición a humo de tabaco ambiental: Estudio en trabajadores de bares y restaurantes de Sa

Background: Secondhand smoke (SHS) is an established cause of morbidity and mortality among non-smokers. The workplace is an important source of exposure, especially among workers of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Aim: To estimate the daily occupational exposure to SHS among non-smoking workers of bars and restaurants of Santiago, Chile. Material and Methods: Environmental vapor-phase nicotine was measured for 95 non-smoking workers of bars and restaurants of Santiago, using passive personal samplers during a daily work shift and outside the workplace. Results: The median occupational exposure to air nicotine was 9.18 μg/m 3 (P 25-P 75 3.15-25.67 μg/m 3). Higher concentrations were found among workers of places with no smoking restrictions (22.72 μg/m 3; P 25-P 75 5.73-34.85 μg/m 3), bar workers (20.75 μg/m 3, P 25-P 75 5.03-44.67 μg/m 3), waiters (20.57 μg/m 3, PP 25-P 75 5.66-42.73 μg/m 3) and bartenders (10.37 μg/m 3, P 25-P 75 9.75-25.67 μg/m 3). The median concentration of nic

Spatial distribution of tobacco outlets and related regulation within a restricted market framework

Background Restricting tobacco availability is likely to be central to the next generation of international tobacco control policies. In Spain, tobacco sales are limited to tobacco exclusive outlets and associated vending machines. Laws regulating the geographical concentration of tobacco outlets demand a minimum distance of 150-metres between them, unless they exceed an established legal sales-threshold to justify their closeness. Distances to other public facilities (e.g. schools, playgrounds, or health-centres) are not regulated. We aimed to evaluate the implementation of tobacco outlets' minimum distances, and to examine their proximity to schools, playgrounds and health-centres. Methods Our study area was Madrid municipality. Performing a proximity-analysis with Geographic Information Systems, we identified outlets that were less than 150-metres between them. We checked whether these outlets exceeded the legal sales-threshold, (established in three-times the average of sales of whole tobacco outlets within the municipality). Accessibility from schools, playgrounds, and health-centres to tobacco outlets were estimated. Sociodemographic data were used to characterize areas where tobacco outlets are closer than 150-meters to other retailers and, to schools, playgrounds and health-centres. Results We geocoded 638 tobacco outlets, of which 34 were within a 150-metres of another tobacco outlet. From those, 24 registered a sales volume lower than the legal sales-threshold, located in central neighbourhoods, with high density of leisure venues and high-educational level. Results also showed that 29%, 20% and 6% of tobacco outlets were closer than 150-metres to schools, playgrounds, and health-centres, respectively. Conclusions This study examines tobacco outlets distribution under a restricted market framework. Results showed little examples of over provision of tobacco retailing, empathising that the evaluation of Spanish policies could provide keys to improve regulations on tobacco sales restriction in other countries. However, we identified a significant number of stores close to schools, playgrounds and health-centres that suggest the need to enforce minimum distances to these facilities