Inmate exposure to secondhand smoke in correctional facilities and the impact of smoking restrictions

Abstract

This study was undertaken to measure the passive smoking exposure of prisoners at three correctional facilities in the US and to evaluate the effectiveness of a ban on smoking in reducing these exposures at two of these facilities. The average weekly concentration of nicotine was measured in fixed locations within the correctional facilities using passive samplers. Samples were collected before and after a smoking ban was instituted, and after the policy was modified to allow smoking outdoors. Samples were collected in the living areas, near where inmates slept and watched TV, and in selected central facilities, including dining halls, visiting rooms, booking areas, and learning centers. Average weekly concentrations of nicotine were measured in 84 locations while smoking was allowed; changes in these concentrations were measured with 112 weekly samples 4 and 9 months after the policy restricting smoking was implemented The average concentrations of nicotine were high while smoking was allowed: most living and sleeping areas averaged 3-11 mg/m 3 , but the gym that was used as a bunkroom averaged 25 mg/m 3 ; these values compare to an average of 2 mg/m 3 in the homes of smokers. The smoking ban significantly reduced nicotine concentrations in the living areas (Po0.01 at facility A and Po0.05 at facility B) to averages of 1.5-2.2 mg/m 3 ; all postban samples were less than 5 mg/m 3 . In conclusion, secondhand smoke concentrations in correctional facilities can be quite high; however, policies banning smoking are effective in reducing, but not eliminating, these exposures.

Barriers and facilitators to a criminal justice tobacco control coordinator: an innovative approach to supporting smoking cessation among offenders

“…A similarly high prevalence has also been found in police custody and probation [12,13], although the evidence is less well developed. High smoking prevalence is reflected in high levels of exposure to second-hand smoke, with associated risks for prisoners and prison staff who are typically confined to, or working within, enclosed spaces [14][15][16]. There appears to be an absence of reliable data on tobacco exposure in other criminal justice settings (CJS).…”

Tabakprävention in Gefängnissen

“…60% bis 80% (Carpenter, Hughes et al 2001) 70% bis 80% (Cropsey, Eldridge et al 2008) 62% (Hammond and Emmons 2005) 60% bis 80% (Kauffman, Ferketich et al 2010); N= 200, 79.8% 76% Prävalenz vor der Inhaftierung; 78.5% unter partiellem Rauchverbot (Kauffman, Ferketich et al 2011) 69.6% N=1174 (Cropsey, Crews et al 2006) 37.8% der Landesgefangenen (state inmates) und 38.6% der Bundesgefangenen (federal inmates) haben im Monat ihres Arrests im Jahr 2005 geraucht (The national center on 1 Beinhaltet Gelegenheitsraucher addiction and substance abuse at 2010) 70% (verglichen mit 21% der Allgemeinbevölkerung), 65% Raucher (Proescholdbell, Foley et al 2008) 70% (verglichen mit 23% der Allgemeinbevölkerung) (Chavez, Oto-Kent et al 2005) 60% bis 80% (verglichen mit 21% der Allgemeinbevölkerung) (Kauffman, Ferketich et al 2008) 50.4% (verglichen mit 23.9% der Allgemeinbevölkerung), N=14373 (Binswanger, Krueger et al 2009) 82.5%, N=200 (Lincoln, Tuthill et al 2009) Eine andere Studie liegt 74.2% vor, N=1200 neu eintretende Insassen (verglichen mit 19.7% der Allgemeinbevölkerung im Jahr 2003) (Lincoln, Tuthill et al 2009) Eine Studie, die im Jahr 1996 veröffentlicht wurde, führt 75% an (Patrick and Marsh 2001) 63.3%, N= 147 gewalttätige Männer (Stuart, Moore et al 2004) Australien Die Vergleichsdaten für Raucher in der Allgemeinbevölkerung sind wie folgt:…”

“…Auf Grund der hohen Prävalenz von Tabakrauchern, Überbelegung, schlechter Belüftung und ungenügender Befolgung von Rauchverboten/-einschrän-kungen weist das Passivrauchen in Gefängnissen demzufolge ein bedeutend höheres Gesundheitsrisiko auf (Eldridge and Cropsey 2009) (Hammond and Emmons 2005;Guyon, Brochu et al 2010). …”

La restriction de l’usage du tabac en prison au Québec : effets sur le climat carcéral

“…À titre indicatif, 19 % des Canadiens âgés de 15 ans et plus avaient été identifi és comme des fumeurs en 2007 (Santé Canada, 2007). Un bon nombre d'études mentionnent également la forte présence de la FTE dans les prisons (Linhorst et al, 2001 ;Hammond et Emmons, 2005). Le chef du Service fédéral de la santé publique des États-Unis (Surgeon General) rapportait en 2006 que les prisons comptaient parmi les lieux habités enregistrant les plus fortes concentrations de FTE (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006).…”