Assessment of Non-Smokers' Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke Using Personal-Exposure and Fixed-Location Monitoring

Abstract

Fixed-location monitoring has been extensively employed to assess exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in offices and other public buildings. In contrast, personal monitoring methods have seldom been used to assess non-smokers' exposure. Simultaneous personal exposure monitoring and fixed-location measurements were conducted in two office buildings in Rich mond, Va., USA, to compare the two sampling methods. The results from the personal and fixed-location monitoring showed general agreement in the mea sured exposure to particle-phase and vapour-phase ETS constituents. The overall results indicate that fixed-location monitoring provides a close approx imation of an individual's exposure to ETS, as determined through personal monitoring. A secondary objective of the research was to assess the effective ness of dilution ventilation for the control of ETS in the workplace. Overall, the results demonstrate that with ventilation in accordance with current ASHRAE Standards, dilution can be an effective means of controlling ETS related constituents to low concentrations.