EFFECTS OF A RESTRICTED WORK-SITE SMOKING POLICY ON EMPLOYEES WHO SMOKE

Objectives. This study evaluated the biological and subjective consequ ences observed in individual smokers after implementation of a workpla ce smoking-restriction policy. Methods. Employees were evaluated for 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after their workplace became smoke-free (n = 34). A comparison group of smokers whose work-site smoking was unrest ricted served as controls (n = 33). Daily exposure to tobacco constitu ents and withdrawal effects were measured. Results. Smokers at the res tricted site had verified smoking reduction (mean = four cigarettes pe r day) and significantly reduced nicotine and carbon monoxide during t he work shift. There were increases in ratings of some common withdraw al symptoms (cravings/urges, concentration difficulties, increased eat ing, depression). No evidence of compensatory smoking during nonwork h ours was found. Overall tobacco exposure, as measured in saliva contin ine, showed a nonsignificant 15% decline. Conclusions. Workplace smoki ng restriction markedly altered smoking patterns (i.e., reduced daytim e smoking) and reduced cotinine levels to an amount consistent with ci garette reduction. Thus, work-site smoking restriction may promote mea ningful, albeit limited, reductions in tobacco exposure and consequent health risks.