Short-term impact of national smoke-free workplace legislation on passive smoking and tobacco use

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the short-term impact of national smoke-free workplace legislation on employee exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at work and on employee smoking habits. METHODS: We performed 2 cross-sectional studies in 9 medium-sized and large Finnish workplaces, before and after implementation of national smoke-free workplace legislation. We assessed tobacco smoke exposure via questionnaire and indoor air nicotine measurements. RESULTS: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke declined considerably after the legislation was implemented.Tobacco consumption among smokers diminished. Nicotine concentrations fell significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Legislation was more efficient than voluntary workplace-specific smoking restrictions in reducing passive smoking and cigarette consumption.