금연정책 시행이 전국 PC방의 간접흡연에 미치는 영향

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed the impact of the smoke-free law on secondhand smoke exposure in computergame rooms by measuring concentrations of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm(PM2.5). Methods: Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were measured in 56 (during the smoke-free guidance period) and 118computer game rooms (after the law went into effect) in four cities (Seoul, Cheonan, Daegu and Kunsan) inKorea. The number of smokers in the computer game rooms was also counted every five minutes. Results: Although a smoking ban had been implemented nationally, smoking was observed in 47% of thecomputer game rooms. Smoking density decreased from 1.62 persons per 100 m3 during the guidance period to0.32 persons per 100 m3 after the smoke-free law. There is no statistically significant difference of PM2.5concentrations before and after the smoking ban. The PM2.5 concentration was two times higher than the USNAAQS of 35 μg/m3. The PM2.5 concentration in computer game rooms without smokers was two times higherthan the outdoor concentration. Conclusion: The smoke-free law in computer game rooms was complied with, even after the guidance period,in Korea. Indoor PM2.5 concentration after smoke-free law implementation was high due to this non-compliance. High PM2.5 concentration in computer game rooms without smokers might be due to smoking booths. Thecomplete prohibition of smoking in computer game rooms should be implemented to protect patrons fromsecondhand smoke exposure.