dzȯ ȸ
14 1ȣ, March 2015
|
ISSN : 2288-9167 (Print)
ISSN : 2288-923X (Online)
|
Indoor PM2.5 concentrations in personal computer(PC) rooms before
and after the implementation of smoke-free regulations in Seoul
ơȲ̱⿵*
Abstracts
This study was conducted to determine the impact of smoke-free regulations on the environment in personal
computer(PC) rooms by measuring indoor levels of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 m(PM2.5) before and after
the implementation of the regulations. PM2.5 concentrations of 34 PC rooms in Seoul were measured before and
after the regulations took effect. A real-time monitor was used to measure PM2.5 concentrations. A field technician
recorded the characteristics of PC rooms including indoor volume, number of floors, and the presence of a smoking
room and counted the number of burning cigarettes, cigarette butts, vents, and patrons. While outdoor PM2.5
concentrations and the number of patrons were not changed, indoor PM2.5 concentrations, the number of burning
cigarettes and cigarette butts in PC rooms were significantly decreased after the regulations were implemented
(p < 0.001). Geometric mean(GM) of indoor PM2.5 concentrations in the PC rooms was 139.6 g/m3 before the
regulations took effect and 55.7 g/m3 after the regulations implemented. After the regulations, smokers were
observed in 11 of the 34 PC rooms in which PM2.5 concentrations were not significantly decreased(p = 0.18). When
smokers were not observed after the regulations, the GM of indoor PM2.5 concentrations was 37.2 g/m3. Although
PM2.5 concentrations in some PC rooms were decreased after the regulation, higher PM2.5 concentrations were
observed in PC rooms with smokers. As such, compliance with the smoke-free regulations should be strictly
ensured to achieve a better indoor air quality.
Keywords : Indoor air quality, PC room, PM2.5, Secondhand smoke, Smoke-free regulation