This journal article presents new data on air change rates and real-time secondhand smoke particle levels for automobiles measured during over 100+ experiments. Air exchange values are given for a variety of car speeds, window positions, and air conditioner settings, which will be useful in exposure and risk assessments. The study confirmed that high concentrations of secondhand smoke can occur in automobiles during smoking, even if the windows are open and ventilation is used.

In this first published study of exposure to outdoor tobacco smoke, investigators measured air pollution levels during visits to outdoor pubs, cafes, and sidewalks where smokers were present. They also performed controlled experiments of air pollution as a function of distance. The main conclusions from the study are that a person can be exposed to concentrated streams of tobacco smoke particles that are many times more polluted than normal background pollution levels.

This report describes the results of a pilot study performed in California on potential exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in outdoor settings. This study is one of the first ever performed to characterize a person's exposure to particles produced from outdoor smoking activity.