LOWER LEVELS OF CIGARETTE CONSUMPTION FOUND IN SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACES IN CALIFORNIA

Objective: We examined the relationship between workplace smoking poli cies and smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption. Methods: Califo rnia residents were questioned by telephone with the 1990 California T obacco Survey. All respondents (11 704) above age 18 years who were em ployed indoors were used. Respondents were asked about smoking status, workplace smoking policy, desire to quit, and smoking history. Logist ic regression was used to determine the relationship of workplace smok ing policy to smoking status, accounting for demographic variables. Re sults: Prevalence of regular smokers was significantly lower in smoke- free workplaces than in those with no restrictions (13.7% vs 20.6%, P< .001). Continuing regular smokers in smoke-free workplaces smoked fewe r cigarettes than those in workplaces with no restrictions (296 vs 341 packs per year, P<.001). More comprehensive smoking policies were ass ociated with smokers more likely to contemplate quitting (P=.014). Con clusions: Employees in smoke-free workplaces have a lower smoking prev alence and, among continuing smokers, lower cigarette consumption than individuals working where smoking is permitted. We estimate cigarette consumption among employees indoors is 21% below that if there were n o smoking restrictions in California workplaces. Furthermore, if all C alifornia workplaces were smoke-free, cigarette consumption among empl oyees would be 41% below that if there were no workplace smoking restr ictions, approximately a $406 million annual loss in sales to the toba cco industry. This study supports the hypothesis that smoke-free workp lace policies are an effective public health measure for decreasing sm oking prevalence and cigarette consumption among continuing smokers.