Abstract:
To assess the levels of fine particulate matter with diameters of less than 2.5 microns (PM25), an indicator of secondhand smoke took place in 1) Designated smoking rooms (DSR) 2) just outside these smoking rooms , and 3) in other areas where smoking is not allowed in the main airport building of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport Sampling of PM25 was conducted using TSI Side Pak AM 510 monitoring equipment for 30 minutes/sample. Six designated smoking rooms were selected from 25 rooms, based on the frequency of use. The PM2s samples were taken inside the smoking rooms, just outside the DSR and at other smoke - free areas inside the building. Smoke - free areas included airline lounges, in the walkway to boarding gates, at arrival waiting areas, airline ticket offices, duty-free shops, and check - in service areas. Forty-three PM25 samples were collected. The level of PM25 averaged 151.91 ug/m' in smoking rooms, 11.97 ug/m' just outside DSR, and 8.99 ug/m' in areas where smoking is not allowed. Statistical analysis of mean PM2.5 levels showed significant difference at the 0.05 level. That is, the average PM2s in smoking rooms was significantly higher than those just outside the DSR and smoke - free areas. The PM2s values inside smoking rooms were six times the air Quality standard of 25 jg/m' set by the World Health Organization. These findings indicate health risks in smoking rooms for travelers visiting the airport. It is highly recommended that smoking rooms at the international airport be removed because of secondhand smoke dangers in them.
TRC Data Center