Analysis of Restaurant Indoor Air Quality in Smoking-Allowed Vs. Smoke-Free College Communities

Authors

  • Ronald D. Williams, Jr
  • Jeremy T. Barnes
  • Michael E. Hall
  • Timothy F. Day
  • Barry P. Hunt

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2014.209

Abstract

This study examined the indoor air quality of restaurants in two cities with universities, one smoke-free (n=15) and one that allowed smoking (n=17). Results indicated that restaurants protected by smoke-free ordinance had significantly (p=.036) lower levels of particulate matter (13.10±10.33 ug/m3) compared to restaurants which allowed smoking (130.72±212.64 ug/m3). Mean particulate matter within smoking-allowed restaurants was caused by as few as three cigarettes being smoked at one time. Based on the EPA Air Quality Index, 70.6% of smoking-allowed restaurants yielded an unhealthy classification compared to only 6.7% of smoke-free restaurants (p=.005). Smoke-free ordinances provide effective protection from indoor air pollution.

Author Biographies

Ronald D. Williams, Jr

Ronald D. Williams, Jr., PhD, CHES – Assistant Professor, Texas State University, Department of Health and Human Performance, 601 University Drive, Jowers Center A133, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-245-2947, Fax: 512-245-8678

Jeremy T. Barnes

Jeremy T. Barnes, PhD Professor, Southeast Missouri State University, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

Michael E. Hall

Michael E. Hall, PhD, CHES, Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion

Timothy F. Day

Timothy F. Day, Graduate Student, Mississippi State University, Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion

Barry P. Hunt

Barry P. Hunt, EdD, Professor, Mississippi State University, Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion

Published

2020-11-15

How to Cite

Williams, R., Barnes, J., Hall, M., Day, T., & Hunt, B. (2020). Analysis of Restaurant Indoor Air Quality in Smoking-Allowed Vs. Smoke-Free College Communities. American Journal of Health Studies, 29(1). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2014.209