British indoor air quality: Regional and locational variations in the concentration of three environmental tobacco smoke components

Abstract

Three components of environmental tobacco smoke, namely, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and nicotine were monitored over 30 minute intervals in travel, work, home and leisure situations. Around 3,000 sets of measurements were made with approximately equal numbers in smoking and non-smoking environments. Mean concentrations of these components were calculated for the total study as well as for different regions, situations and locations. Although some slight regional variations were evident, most differences were associated with the type of location sampled. Carbon monoxide levels were not significantly different between non-smoking and smoking environments for each of the four types of situation, whereas particulate matter and nicotine were higher where smoking occurred.

Carbon Monoxide Exposure in the Home Environment and the Evaluation of Risks to Health - A UK Perspective

“…There are a number of sources of CO in the indoor environment, the most notable of which are gas cooking and certain types of heating systems which bum gas, wood, coal or paraffin. Environmental tobacco smoke also affects indoor CO levels; concentrations of CO have been reported that range from 2.1 mg · m-3 (1.8 ppm) in non-smoking households to 2.6 mg-m-3 (2.3 ppm) in homes with smokers [5]. The presence of an attached garage or heavily trafficked roads nearby can also be important.…”

Carbon Monoxide Exposure in the Home Environment and the Evaluation of Risks to Health – A UK Perspective

“…There are a number of sources of CO in the indoor environment, the most notable of which are gas cooking and certain types of heating systems which burn gas, wood, coal or paraffin. Environmental tobacco smoke also affects indoor CO levels; concentrations of CO have been reported that range from 2.1 mg W m -3 (1.8 ppm) in non-smoking households to 2.6 mgWm -3 (2.3 ppm) in homes with smokers [5]. The presence of an attached garage or heavily trafficked roads nearby can also be important.…”