Change in secondhand smoke levels in a public hospital in Budapest following anti-smoking policy implementation in 2011

Abstract

Introduction: Our previous 2009 study demonstrated high secondhand smoke levels throughout a public hospital in Budapest. Aim: To compare changes in indoor air pollution level between 2009 and 2012, before and after the Hungarian anti-smoking policy legislation adopted in 2011. Methods: TSI SidePak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor was used. Results: In-patient care department PM2.5 levels declined by 92% from 87.7 μg/m3 to 6.9 μg/m3. Non-patient care area PM2.5 level increased by 67% from 64.8 μg/m3 to 108.0 μg/m3. The increase was driven entirely by a large increase in the level in public toilets. Excluding these, there was a 83% drop in PM2.5 in non-patient care areas from 64.8 μg/m3 to 11.1 μg/m3. Conclusions: PM2.5 decreased significantly due to the 2011 law. However, smoking still occurred in the hospital, albeit in less frequently visited areas. A stricter enforcement of this beneficial law is needed to reach a comprehensive smoke-free hospital environment. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 658–664.