Estimation of Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Clubs Based on Urinary Cotinine Levels.
10.12701/yujm.2011.28.1.45
- Author:
Yu Jin LEE
1
;
Young Ji LEE
;
Man Joong JEON
;
Joon SAKONG
Author Information
1. National Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Tobacco smoke pollution;
Urine;
Cotinine
- MeSH:
Cotinine;
Female;
Humans;
Korea;
Male;
Smoke;
Smoking;
Tobacco Smoke Pollution
- From:Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine
2011;28(1):45-53
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of young people go to clubs. In Korea, however, no studies have been conducted regarding the exposure of club patrons to secondhand smoke. The present study was conducted to evaluate the degree of club customers' exposure to secondhand smoke. METHODS: The study subjects included 10 male and 12 female non-smokers. The investigational site was a club located in Daegu. Urine samples were collected before exposure to secondhand smoke in the club and 6 hours after a 3-hour exposure. The urine cotinine levels were measured via the LC-MS/MS method. A survey was conducted to collect data regarding the subjects' smoking experiences and the degree of exposure to secondhand smoke in their daily lives. RESULTS: The average urine cotinine level increased from 1.09 microg/L to 5.55 microg/L (p<0.05). No significant difference existed in the change in urine cotinine level between the male and female subjects. In addition, there was no significant difference in the change in urine cotinine level by the degree of exposure to secondhand smoke in daily life. CONCLUSIONS: The average urine cotinine level in all the subjects significantly increased after exposure to secondhand smoke. This is the first study on exposure to secondhand smoke in clubs; these results can be used to craft measures that reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in public places, such as clubs.
