Secondhand tobacco smoke in public places in Guatemala : comparison with other Latin American countries
Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, GT
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Secondhand smoke (SHS) poses a health risk to non-smokers. In
Guatemala, few smoke-free environments (hospitals, government buildings) are
mandated by law. The objective was to measure SHS levels in public places in
Guatemala.
METHODS: Exposure was estimated by passive sampling of vapor-phase
nicotine using a filter badge. Filters were placed for 7 days in 1 hospital, 1
school, 2 universities, 1 government building, the international airport, and 10
restaurants/bars. In total, 120 filters were placed. (For quality control, 10% were
duplicates and blanks.) Filters were checked daily to verify the correct
placement, count the number of smokers and total people present, and evaluate
ventilation patterns. Nicotine in μg/m3 was measured by gas-chromatography
and medians and interquartile ranges were reported. To compare results with
other countries, levels were log transformed. Employees completed a survey
about air quality and beliefs about SHS.
RESULTS: Airborne nicotine was detected in most (70%) of the locations
surveyed. The highest levels of nicotine were found in bars and restaurants. In
the hospital and the government building, where smoking is banned, nicotine
was still detected. Levels of airborne nicotine in Guatemala are similar to those
found in other Latin American cities. Worker support for smoke-free
environments is high, except among bar, restaurant, and airport workers.
CONCLUSION: Exposure to SHS is still highly prevalent in Guatemala City. The
highest levels of nicotine were found in bars/restaurants. There is an urgent
need for smoke-free legislation and worker education about the benefits of
smoke-free workplaces in Guatemala.
Description
Poster
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Brochure
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Keywords
SURVEYS, AIR QUALITY, AIR POLLUTION, SMOKING, TOBACCO, GUATEMALA