Air Quality, Biomarker Levels, and Health Effects on Staff in Korean Restaurants and Pubs Before and After a Smoking Ban

Introduction: The Korean government implemented a smoking ban at square floor area of ≥150 m 2 , rather than <150 m 2 , restaurants and pubs from July 2013. This study examined the effects of the smoking regulations in restaurants and pubs in terms of the air quality, biomarker levels and health effects on staff. Methods: Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 µm (PM 2.5 ) was measured in 146 facilities before and 1 month after the ban. The urinary cotinine and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1butanol (NNAL) levels were measured in 101 staff members at 77 facilities before and 1 month after the ban. We also measured self-reported respiratory and sensory symptoms on both phases. Results: Of the 146 facilities, 121 facilities were included in the PM 2.5 analysis. In ≥150 m 2 pubs, the indoor PM 2.5 concentration was significantly reduced after the ban (p < .05). While the urinary cotinine concentrations of the staff in all facilities were not changed after the ban, the total NNAL concentrations of the staff in ≥150 m 2