Measurable and documented amount of secondhand smoke (SHS) affecting living conditions in multi-unit dwellings
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Authors
Baldueza, Edgar
Tolentino, Renato
Sheng, Zheng
Issue Date
2012
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Engineering management
Alternative Title
Abstract
The smoker’s residence can represent a significant source of secondhand smoke (SHS), especially for people who live in close proximity to one another in multi-unit housing. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of SHS migration between the smoker’s apartment unit and the adjacent smoke-free living unit within the same multi-unit dwelling structure. Air monitors were used to measure the particulate matter in nonsmoker’s living units within three multi-unit housing buildings in the San Diego, California area. Air monitors were operated at the same time in the nonsmoking units within the same building. Participants completed logs to document activities that could affect air quality. Evidence of SHS transfer from the smoking units was detected in all three assessed visits. Real-time plots and participant logs suggest that SHS transfer is a function of many determinants, including ventilation and close proximity between units. Results indicated that the average PM 2.5 levels and physiologic response in non-smoking units were greatest between 8:00 PM and 1:00 AM: participant A - average PM 2.5 level was 31.93 ug/m3 and reaction level was 10; participant B - average PM 2.5 level was 42.3 ug/m3 and reaction level was 26.36; participant C - average PM 2.5 level was 11.81 ug/m3 and reaction level was 19.2. This study documents SHS transfers from smoking units to non-smoking units within three different apartment and condominium buildings. Since many factors appear to influence the amount of SHS transfer between these units, the implementation of a comprehensive smoke-free air policy that prohibits indoor smoking in multi-unit housings represents the only proven means to protect the residents from SHS exposure.