The efficacy of strategies to reduce environmental tobacco smoke concentrations in homes, workplaces, restaurants, and correctional facilities

A variety of strategies have been implemented to protect nonsmokers from second hand smoke; these include separation or restricting smoking to selected areas, installation of air cleaners, increased ventilation, and outright prohibition of smoking. The concentrations of nicotine were measured and examined in different venues as a function of the techniques employed. The weekly average concentration of nicotine was significantly lower in the homes of smokers and in workplaces where smoking was not allowed indoors compared to homes or workplaces without such restrictions; opening windows was less effective. Air cleaners with HEPA filter and charcoal removed some of the particles but had little effect on nicotine concentrations. Evaluation of the efficacy of these strategies is imperative in the public health efforts to reduce SHS exposures.