Continued Reduction of Particulate Matter in Bars Six Months After Adoption of a Smoke-Free Ordinance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to measure particulate matter (PM_2.5) in pubs and bars prior to the adoption of a comprehensive, citywide smoke-free ordinance, as well as at multiple time points after adoption. Ten venues in a Southern U.S. city were measured at 1-month preordinance and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postordinance. Air quality risk was determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index. Data revealed a statistically significant difference (p < .001; Eta² = .889) in PM_2.5 levels for the four time points. Air quality measurements showed that PM_2.5 was 202.17 ± 97.89 (mean ± SD) at 1-month preordinance, 25.53 ± 14.18 at 1-month postordinance, 18.00 ± 8.43 at 3-month postordinance, and 10.77 ± 2.45 at 6-month postordinance. At the preordinance measurement, no venue was found to be in the “good” (minimal risk) range of the Air Quality Index; however, 100% of venues presented minimal air quality risk by the 3-month postordinance measurement. This study shows that adoption of smoke-free ordinances yields immediate reductions in health risks with continued air quality improvements up to 6-month postordinance (the last time point measured).