Informing effective smokefree policies in Argentina: air quality monitoring study in 15 cities (2007-2009).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate indoor air pollution in hospitality venues in Argentina. MATERIAL AND METHODS PM₂.₅ levels were measured in a convenience sample of venues in 15 cities with different legislative contexts following a protocol developed by Roswell Park Cancer Institute. RESULTS 554 samples were collected. Across all 5 smoke free cities the mean PM₂.₅ level was lower during daytime vs. evening hours, 24 vs. 98 PM₂.₅ respectively (p=.012). In the three cities evaluated before and after legislation, PM₂.₅ levels decreased dramatically (p<0.001 each). Overall, PM₂.₅ levels were 5 times higher in cities with no legislation vs. smoke free cities (p<0.001). In cities with designated smoking areas, PM₂.₅ levels were not statistically different between smoking and non-smoking areas (p=0.272). Non-smoking areas had significantly higher PM₂.₅ levels compared to 100% smoke free venues in the same city (twofold higher) (p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS Most of the participating cities in this study had significantly lower PM₂.₅ levels after the implementation of 100% smoke free legislation. Hence, it represents a useful tool to promote 100% smoke free policies in Argentina.