[Exposure to respirable suspended particles in smoking and non-smoking sections of pubs in southern Poland].

Particulate matter (PM), including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is one of the main pollutant which it damages of human health seriously. Tobacco smoke is significant source of PM2.5 in indoor microenvironments. New bill of complete smoking ban in all public places in Poland is currently under consideration in polish parliament. Proposed maximum allowed concentration of PM2.5 for all non-smoking sections is 0.03 mg/m3. Concentrations of tobacco-specific fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were monitored in thirteen pubs located in southern part of Poland during winter season. All examined pubs had two types of sections: smoking and non-smoking. PM2.5 concentrations were monitored during one hour in each section using DustTrak monitor (TSI Inc., USA). The Wilcoxon matched pair test was used to compare pollutant concentrations in smoking vs. non-smoking sections. Average 1-hour PM2.5 concentration in smoking sections was 1.25 +/- 1.85 mg/ m3 and varied from 0.18 do 7.21 mg/ m3. Average 1-hour PM2.5 concentration in non-smoking sections was 0.35 +/- 0.29 mg/m3 and varied from 0.056 to 1.01 mg/m3. The highest temporary PM2.5 concentration of 25.5 mg/m3 was found in a pub located in cellar storey were with volume of 60 m3, 13 smokers and no air-condition. There was little difference in PM2.5 levels between smoking and non-smoking section.