The effects of alternative smoking policies on indoor air quality in 27 office buildings.

The effect of alternative smoking policies, which prohibited or restricted smoking, on indoor air quality was studied in 27 air-conditioned office buildings. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, respirable particulates, formaldehyde, ultraviolet particulate matter (u.v.PM), nicotine, air temperature, relative humidity and illumination were measured at eight sample sites in each building. Smoking policy had no effect on carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, relative humidity, formaldehyde, air temperature or illumination for open office areas. It did have an effect on levels of respirable suspended particulates, ultraviolet particulate matter and nicotine.