Five-Year Trends of Second-Hand Smoke Exposure in Greece: A Comparison Between Complete, Partial, and Prelegislation Levels

Abstract Background: Our aim was to assess second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in hospitality venues after the smoke-free legislation implemented in September 2010 in Greece and to compare with when a partial ban was in place and in 2006 when no ban was in place. Methods: Hospitality venues were prospectively assessed for their indoor concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) during the partial ban phase (n=149) and the complete ban phase (n=120, 80% followed up), while overall and matched by venue comparisons were also performed (no ban vs. partial ban vs. complete ban). Comparisons with previously collected data in 2006 when no ban was in place also was performed. Results: Indoor air levels of PM2.5 attributable to SHS dropped following the transition from a partial to a complete ban by 34% (137 μg/m3 vs. 90 μg/m3, p=0.003). This drop was larger in bars (from 195 μg/m3 to 121 μg/m3), than in cafes (124 μg/m3 vs. 87 μg/m3) or restaurants (42 μg/m3 vs. 39 μg/m3). PM2.5 concentrations between 2006 (no ban)...