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Secondhand smoke in Pennsylvania casinos: A study of nonsmokers' exposure, dose, and risk

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  • Repace, J.L.

Abstract

Objectives. I assessed air pollution, ventilation, and nonsmokers' risk from secondhand smoke (SHS) in Pennsylvania casinos exempted from a statewide smoke-free workplace law. Methods. I measured respirable suspended particles (RSPs), particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAHs), and carbon dioxide inside and outside casinos; measured changes in patrons' urine cotinine after casino visits; and assessed SHS impact on workers and patrons, using exposure-response models, air quality standards, and odor and irritation thresholds. Results. PPAH and RSP concentrations in casinos were, on average, 4 and 6 times, respectively, that of outdoor levels despite generous ventilation and low smoking prevalence. SHS infiltrated into nonsmoking gaming areas. Patrons' urine cotinine increased 1.9 ng/mL on average after about 4-hour visits. Conclusions. SHS-induced heart disease and lung cancer will cause an estimated 6 Pennsylvania casino workers' deaths annually per 10000 at risk, 5-fold the death rate from Pennsylvania mining disasters. Casinos should not be exempt from smoke-free workplace laws.

Suggested Citation

  • Repace, J.L., 2009. "Secondhand smoke in Pennsylvania casinos: A study of nonsmokers' exposure, dose, and risk," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(8), pages 1478-1485.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2008.146241_4
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.146241
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    1. Neil E. Klepeis & Narinder Dhaliwal & Gary Hayward & Viviana Acevedo-Bolton & Wayne R. Ott & Nathan Read & Steve Layton & Ruoting Jiang & Kai-Chung Cheng & Lynn M. Hildemann & James L. Repace & Stepha, 2016. "Measuring Indoor Air Quality and Engaging California Indian Stakeholders at the Win-River Resort and Casino: Collaborative Smoke-Free Policy Development," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-26, January.

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