Exposure to tobacco smoke and prevalence of symptoms decreased among Finnish restaurant workers after the smoke-free law.

Introduction: The impact of tobacco legislation and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in bars and restaurants were assessed in a national survey.

Methods: Questionnaire surveys among restaurant workers were conducted in 2007 before the smoking ban, and in 2009.

Results: The exposure to ETS decreased significantly after the launch of the 2007 smoke-free law.

The impact of Finnish tobacco legislation on restaurant workers' exposure to tobacco smoke at work.

Aims: To evaluate the impact of Finnish tobacco legislation concerning restaurants, questionnaire surveys were carried out four times between 1999 and 2007. Their purpose was to assess the effects of the legislation on employees' exposure to tobacco smoke in bars and restaurants in Finland before the total prohibition of smoking.

Methods: National questionnaire surveys on reported exposure to tobacco smoke among restaurant workers were conducted in 1999, 2001, 2003, and in the spring of 2007 just before the total smoking ban.