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The impact of a 100% smoke-free law on the health of hospitality workers from the city of Neuquén, Argentina

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of 100% smoke-free environment legislation on respiratory and sensory irritation symptoms and respiratory function among bar and restaurant workers from the city of Neuquén, Argentina. METHODS: Pre-ban and post-ban studies without a...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Schoj, Veronica, Alderete, Mariela, Ruiz, Ernesto, Hasdeu, Santiago, Linetzky, Bruno, Ferrante, Daniel
Formato: Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: BMJ Group 2010
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989166/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20378587
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/tc.2009.032862
Descripción
Sumario:OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of 100% smoke-free environment legislation on respiratory and sensory irritation symptoms and respiratory function among bar and restaurant workers from the city of Neuquén, Argentina. METHODS: Pre-ban and post-ban studies without a comparison group in an Argentinean city were conducted. A baseline survey and spirometric measurements were performed with a total of 80 bar and restaurant workers 1 month before (October 2007) and 3 months after (March 2008) the implementation of the new 100% smoke-free legislation. RESULTS: A significant reduction in secondhand smoke exposure was observed after the enactment and enforcement of the new legislation, and an important reduction in respiratory symptoms (from a pre-ban level of 57.5% to a post-ban level of only 28.8%). The reduction of sensory irritation symptoms was even higher. From 86.3% of workers who reported at least one sensory irritation symptom in October 2007, only 37.5% reported the same symptoms in March 2008. Also, data obtained by spirometry showed a significant forced vital capacity increase. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with other studies, 100% smoke-free legislation improved short-term health outcomes in the sample and should be implemented nationwide. Furthermore, undertaking this study has been highly important in promoting 100% smoke-free environment legislation at the workplace as a legitimate right of hospitality workers, and in reducing social acceptance of designated smoking areas in bars and restaurants.