J. Brigham et al., EFFECTS OF A RESTRICTED WORK-SITE SMOKING POLICY ON EMPLOYEES WHO SMOKE, American journal of public health, 84(5), 1994, pp. 773-778
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.