Effects of passive smoking in the work place on expiration air carbon monoxide (CO) and carboxihemoglobin (COHb) levels: Results of a survey in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of smoking and the effects of passive smoking among bank employees. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2001 and 2002. Data was collected through questionnaire. The level of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and the percentage of Carboxihemoglobin (COHb) level in the blood were measured by using Bendfond Pico Smokerlyser. Chi-square and ANOVA were used. Results: Six hundred fifty four respondents participated in the study which included 384 (58.7%) male and 267 (40.6%) female. The mean value for CO in the expiration air was 14.57±11.1 ppm [(18.49±11.21, 7.74± 5.71 and 4.85± 2.35; for current smokers, non-smokers with current exposure and non-smokers without current exposure, respectively (p<0.001)]. The mean value for COHb % was 2.97±1.9 [(3.60±1.88, 1.80± 1.17 and 1.21± 0.99; for current smokers, non-smokers with current exposure and non-smokers without current exposure, respectively (p<0.001)]. Conclusion: Passive smoking is still a significant health problem in the work place. Anti-tobacco implementations should be carried out strictly in all work places.