Problem/Objective: Assess respirable fine particle air pollution in the Kentucky State Capitol Annex during the 2006 General Assembly. Fine particle air pollution inhaled from the burning end of a cigarette causes of heart and lung disease and many cancers such as lung and breast. In 2006, Kentucky Revised Statue (KRS 61.165) that required all government buildings to “favor” smoking indoors was amended to repeal statewide preemption in government buildings. It was hypothesized that fine particle air pollution would exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQ) for outdoor air (35 µg/m3 in a 24 hour period).

Methods: Air quality was assessed using the TSI Sidepak in eight locations including the cafeteria and seven rooms on multiple floors. A total of seven readings (one-minute intervals) per location were documented over a two-week period. Each location was visited for 15-30 minutes. Monitors were concealed and data on numbers of cigarettes smoked, persons in the area, room size, and ventilation were collected.

Results: Mean fine particle air pollution in the eight locations ranged from 19 to 130 µg/m.3 Five of the locations exceeded the NAAQ The location with the highest level of secondhand smoke exposure was three times higher than the federal outdoor air standard.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that air quality in the Capitol Annex is dangerously high, putting workers and visitors at risk. The Kentucky General Assembly needs to enact a 100% smoke-free policy for all state government buildings. The study will be repeated should a more strict smoking policy be implemented.