Work

Environmental monitoring and smoking exposure before and after the designation of non-smoking areas in indoor sports facilities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluated the effectiveness of smoke-free legislation in reducing indoor air pollutants, specifically PM2.5, NO₂, and TVOC, in recreational facilities in Korea. A quasi-experimental before-and-after study was conducted in selected indoor venues, with pollutant levels compared pre- and post-designation of non-smoking areas. Monitoring was performed in three billiard halls and three screen golf ranges in Seoul. PM2.5, NO₂, and TVOC were measured using a Grimm 1.108 aerosol spectrometer (Germany), MEZUS-210/ANA-2 and Teledyne M200E (Korea/USA), and a Sibata MP-Σ30 sampler (Japan). Sampling occurred during operating hours, and results were analyzed using non-parametric tests against Korean standards. After implementation, PM2.5 decreased from 42.8 to 18.6 μg/m³, and NO₂ from 148.3 to 57.9 μg/m³, though reductions were not statistically significant. TVOC showed the clearest improvement, falling significantly from 29.2 to 18.4 ppb (p < 0.01). Smoke-free policies substantially reduced indoor pollutants, particularly TVOC, in recreational facilities. While PM2.5 and NO₂ declines were less consistent, the results highlight both the benefits of smoke-free laws and the need for complementary interventions such as improved ventilation and continuous monitoring.

Source: Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology

DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2026003

Authors: Sung Ho Hwang, Wha Me Park

Institutions: Yong In University, Yonsei University

Language: English

Topic: Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Research Foundation, National Research Foundation of Korea