Comparación de los niveles de contaminación por humo de tabaco ambiental en lugares de trabajo en 4 ciudades de Venezuela

it is well known that secondhand smoke (shs) is the main source of pollution in enclosed places to the people, such as: workplaces, public places, public transportation facilities, communities and home. this pollutant contains 4800 chemicals, 69 of which are carcinogens. in addition, many of these substances are toxic, poisonous and mutagenic to the human body. for this reason venezuela has united to the worldwide fighting against this health hazard. in 2006 our country carried out a study evaluating the pollution levels caused by shs. in this study was possible to compare air quality in partial or smoking places such as bars, restaurants and in public transport against nonsmoking places such as hospitals and universities. the study was done measuring concentrations (μg/m3) of breathable particles with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (pm2.5) in realtime, which are release by a lighted cigarette. based on the measures taken, it was possible to determine that in free smoke places the pollution levels are 92% lower compare to smoking places. this result gives to our country the scientific support to establish policies for environments smokefree that warranty the public from the adverse health effects of passive smoking in public places.