When hands are tied: Monitoring the air quality to move policies forward in North Carolina

Problem/Objective: In a state limited by a preemptive law and stymied by a culture where tobacco once ruled, tobacco control advocates often find their message falling on deaf ears. A local health department decided to try a new tactic in moving tobacco-free policies forward—monitoring the air quality. Methods: Using the same model as Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the Mecklenburg County Health Department Tobacco Control Program has used the air monitoring technology to monitor PM 2.5 (an accepted marker for SHS levels) in local restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, bingo halls, and the Charlotte Airport. Results: The study conducted in restaurants, bars, and bowling alleys found dangerously high levels of PM 2.5, similar to studies done in other cities. This study received a considerable amount of media attention which added momentum to the local movement working towards smoke-free workplace legislation. The airport then announced that they would adopt a tobacco-free policy in March, 2007. We are currently in the process of conducting a pre and post test of the airport air quality with hopes it will help affirm and sustain the policy change. Data collected in three local bingo halls spurred an immediate voluntary change in one bingo hall's policy. Conclusions: Using air monitoring technology can be a very effective way to gain earned media, build momentum, and to move both voluntary and public policies forward to protect people from secondhand smoke exposure.