To accelerate the effect of smoking bans, remediation efforts should address specific THS reservoirs, which may require intensive cleaning as well as replacement of carpets, furniture and building materials.Ĭarcinogens cotinine nicotine secondhand smoke. However, THS reservoirs contribute to continued low-level exposure to toxicants. A complete smoking ban immediately improves air quality and significantly reduces exposure to SHS and THS. Long-term smoking in a casino creates deep THS reservoirs that persist for months after a smoking ban. Exposure was significantly reduced after the ban, but the benefits of the ban were reversed after smoking resumed. Surface nicotine decreased by 90% after 1 month (P<0.01), but nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines in dust decreased more slowly, declining by 90% only after 3 months (P<0.01). Although the smoking ban led to immediate improvements in air quality, surface nicotine levels were unchanged and remained very high for the first month of the smoking ban. Samples were analysed for markers of SHS and THS pollution and exposure.Įxceptionally high levels of THS were found in dust and on surfaces. Finger wipe and urine samples were collected from non-smoking confederates before and after a 4-hour casino visit. We examined SHS and THS pollution and exposure before and during a casino smoking ban and after smoking resumed.Ī casino was visited nine times over a 15-month period to collect dust, surface and air samples in eight locations. Secondhand smoke (SHS) in US casinos is common, but little is known about the residue of tobacco smoke pollutants left behind in dust and on surfaces, commonly referred to as thirdhand smoke (THS).

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