Publication Abstract

Authors: Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Title: Discomfort from environmental tobacco smoke among employees at worksites with minimal smoking restrictions--United States, 1988.

Journal: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 41(20):351-4

Date: 1992 May 22

Abstract: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a potential occupational carcinogen according to guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) carcinogen policy (1). Exposure to ETS in the workplace may represent a substantial contribution to lifetime ETS exposure (2). For many persons, ETS irritates the conjunctiva of the eyes (accompanied by reddening, itching, and increased lacrimation) and the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and lower respiratory tract (accompanied by itching, coughing, and sore throat) (3). As part of the 1988 National Health Interview Survey-Occupational Health Supplement (NHIS-OHS), CDC measured the degree of discomfort caused by ETS in the workplace. The NHIS-OHS collected information on cigarette smoking, workplace smoking restrictions, and perceived discomfort caused by ETS at the workplace. This report summarizes survey findings and describes efforts to reduce ETS at the workplace.