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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jalal Ghaemghami, PhD¹, Thomas Dumyahn², John Shea¹, and Leon Bethune¹. (1) Environmental Health Office, Boston Public Health Commission, 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd floor, Boston, MA 02118, (2) Physics Department, Environmental Engineering Program, Suffolk University, Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02122, 6175134590, tdumyah@suffolk.edu

In the city of Boston, Massachusetts, Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) exposure has been significantly reduced through local and state regulations in virtually all public and private locations open to the public. However, ETS regulations have not been promulgated that specifically address ETS intrusion between units within private or publicly owned multi-residential buildings. The process of creating such regulation or policies necessitates collection of real-time data. During winter 2004-2005, three complaint cases were investigated to identify ETS intrusion into the residents within apartment complexes. The utilized methods for the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) measurements included real time measurements of sub micron ultra fine particles, respirable particles (PM2.5) and particle borne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). This indirect method of determining ETS intrusion avoids expensive direct sampling and analysis of specific components of ETS and provides real time results that integrated air sampling methods cannot. The result showed high concentrations of PM2.5 and ultra fine particles proximate to the suspected pathways of ETS intrusion. A strong correlation was observed between these two measured parameters. The methods employed proved to be an effective investigative tool in residences which ranged from luxury condominiums, converted industrial structures, and traditional public housing structures. We will discuss protocols, source exclusion, and limitations of the results which were successfully used as evidence of tobacco smoke intrusion in all three cases. Future investigations are needed to explore correlation between measurements using these employed methods and those that directly measure tobacco residuals in air or dust samples.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Utilized the presented methodology in their investigation.
• Build collaboration among health departments, housing authorities and building managers to assess the most feasible approaches to develop policies to limit ETS.
• Develop a plan to address ETS through education and outreach.

Keywords: Indoor Environment, Smoking

Related Web page: www.bphc.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No