Ventilation performance for spaces where smoking is permitted: a review of previous work and field study results

Abstract

This paper reviews previous studies and reports on the first stage of a series of field studies developed with the aim of assessing the performance of ventilation systems currently in use in public houses where smoking is permitted. Established ventilation theory is used to hypothesize the behaviour of these systems predicting that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke will be substantially reduced. The problems associated with conducting field studies in buildings of this nature are discussed, and the results of some representative studies are presented. The effectiveness of the ventilation systems is clearly demonstrated. Limitations of the study are identified and further work is proposed. Practical application: This paper informs the current debate on the value of ventilation systems in spaces where smoking is permitted. Despite the proposed ban on smoking in public places in England and the ban in Scotland there will be a variety of exemptions where the building is also someone's place of residence. Internationally, alternatives to a ban including the better use of ventilation systems are under consideration. In addition to making the case for the use of ventilation, the paper provides some interesting pointers on innovative supply strategies for this application.

Impacts of Ventilation: Studies on “Before and After” a Smoking Ban Is Implemented / Vėdinimo Poveikis: Tyrimai Prieš Įvedant Ir Įvedus Rūkymo Draudimą / Воздействие Вентиляции: Исследование До И После Запрета На Курение

“…This conclusion is supported by recent results presented by the authors (Geens et al 2006) and further studies need to be undertaken to collect additional data before a definitive conclusion can be reached to what is a complex and multi-dimensional problem that has increasingly attracted emotional, highly biased and unscientific commentary. Study done in a isolated community with a single hospital.…”

“…It is interesting to note that in the published results of a number of "before and after ban" studies (Tables 1-4), the levels of ETS markers such as carbon monoxide and fine particulates are comparable with those found in well ventilated venues before the ban (Geens et al 2006). Furthermore several of the authors of the papers reviewed suggest that further research is required to establish the extent to which smoke may migrate into the building from outside areas, rather than concluding that ventilation is equally effective.…”

Analysis to support the Impact Assessment of the Commission's smoke-free initiatives

“…A recent review on ventilation performance for spaces where smoking is permitted also identified conflicting views. The authors acknowledge that where attention has been paid to ensuring that the ventilation system being tested is adequate and working correctly, significant improvements in indoor air quality can be made, but such solutions need to be scientifically and critically evaluated (Geens et al, 2006). Previously, pro-technological studies have been criticised for applying an incorrect method of calculation and as a result reporting excessively high reduction percentages in ETS (see for example National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (2006) and Piha (2006)).…”

Monitoring Air Quality and Estimation of Personal Exposure to Particulate Matter Using an Indoor Model and Artificial Neural Network

“…Pollutants generated from automobiles may accumulate in UPGs, and/or penetrate into the indoor environment [1,8,12]. Particulate materials (PM 10 , PM 2.5 ) within buildings are mostly derived from outdoor particles drawn in through HVAC systems [1,[13][14][15][16][17][18]. If the ventilation system is ineffective at completely discharging vehicle-induced pollutants from enclosed underground spaces, the pollutants can accumulate in these indoor environments and cause serious health effects in human beings [2,3,6,[19][20][21][22].…”