The impact of second-hand smoke on nitrogen oxides concentrations in a small interior

Nitrogen oxides (NO(x)), especially nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), are among the most hazardous forms of air pollution. Tobacco smoke is a main indoor source of NO(x), but little information is available about their concentrations in second-hand smoke (SHS), particularly in small indoors. This study presents data of NO(x) and its main components nitric oxide (NO) and NO(2) in SHS emitted by ten different cigarette brands measured in a closed test chamber with a volume of 2.88 m(3), similar to the volume of vehicle cabins. The results show substantial increases in NO(x) concentrations when smoking only one cigarette. The NO(2) mean concentrations ranged between 105 and 293 µg/m(3), the NO(2) peak concentrations between 126 and 357 µg/m(3). That means the one-hour mean guideline of 200 µg/m(3) for NO(2) of the World Health Organization was exceeded up to 47%, respectively 79%. The measured NO(2) values show positive correlations with the values for tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide stated by the cigarette manufacturers. This study provides NO(2) concentrations in SHS at health hazard levels. These data give rise to the necessity of health authorities’ measures to inform about and caution against NO(x) exposure by smoking in indoor rooms.