New WKC Publication: “Designated Smoking Areas in Streets Where Outdoor Smoking is Banned”
A new publication prepared by the WHO Kobe Centre, “Designated Smoking Areas in Streets Where Outdoor Smoking is Banned”, was published by the Kobe Journal of Medical Sciences.
Although Japan has been a signatory to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control since 2004, progress in translating the recommendations into national policy has been limited. Globally, outdoor smoking bans cover outdoor dining areas, beaches, public parks, schools, etc. In Japan, most of existing outdoor smoking bans allow designated smoking areas (DSAs) in the no-smoking zones, thus limiting protection from second-hand smoke (SHS). The study examined the impact of DSAs on air quality in the areas of Kobe City where such ordinance is in force. Air quality measurements were conducted near two DSAs in August 2012 by using personal aerosol monitors.