Environmental tobacco smoke exposure among Louisiana adults who work in bars and casinos

In January 2007, The Louisiana Smoke – Free Air Act went into effect. The Act prevents smoking in all workplaces with the exception of bars and casinos. This study measured the level of secondhand smoke exposure in unprotected Louisiana workplaces by comparing the levels of saliva cotinine (a nicotine metabolite) and nicotine of non-smoking individuals who work in bars and casinos(including musicians) to non-smoking controls who work in smoke-free bars. Study participants were recruited through existing community networks. Individuals who agreed to participate in the study were asked to complete a short survey which collected information on demographics and their tobacco exposure. Participants were given a test kit with two swabs and instructed to give one saliva sample just prior to a greater than four hour shift and another just after the shift. Saliva test kits were returned to researchers in tamper resistant packaging. All study participants who completed the survey and supplied two saliva samples were provided a modest cash incentive. Cotinine and nicotine saliva levels were tested using Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry assay. Findings suggest individuals who work in environments where smoking is allowed have elevated saliva cotinine and nicotine levels and are therefore at risk for tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. In some cases their levels are comparable to those of smokers. Increased awareness of the dangers of environmental tobacco exposure in the workplace could provide the evidence and impetus needed to expand smoke-free legislation.