ISSN : 2288-9167(Print)
ISSN : 2288-923X(Online)
ISSN : 2288-923X(Online)
Journal of Odor and Indoor Environment Vol.14 No.1 pp.1-6
DOI : https://doi.org/10.15250/joie.2015.14.1.1
DOI : https://doi.org/10.15250/joie.2015.14.1.1
Indoor PM2.5 concentrations in personal computer(PC) rooms before and after the implementation of smoke-free regulations in Seoul
1 December, 2014
10 February, 2015
2 March, 2015
Abstract
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 μm(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 μg/m3 before the regulations took effect and 55.7 μg/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 μg/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.
