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in dimensions and structure. The most significant difference was the number of smoking customers. The location with the greatest number of smokers resulted in average PM 2.5 levels of 102 (unhealthy for sensitive groups) and peak levels of 660 (very hazardous+). A study conducted at one of the University of Maryland campuses(4~ measured the distance from the source of secondhand smoke in which PM 2.5 can be detected. Previous studies found that odor detection can occur at 1 micron/cubic meter and irritation begins at 4 microns/cubic meter. In this study, odor was detectable at 7 meters (23 feet) from the source and irritation levels began at 4 meters (13 feet). The study also found that anyone positioned downwind from an outdoor source of secondhand smoke is going to be exposed to secondhand smoke, even at significant distances from the source. People who are positioned upwind should be at least 25 feet from any outdoor source, in order to minimize the risk of breathing the unhealthy chemicals found in secondhand smoke. Conclusions These studies should begin to dispel the common misperception that outdoor secondhand smoke immediately dissipates into the air and, therefore does not pose a health risk. The dangerous composition of chemicals in smoke is essentially the same -indoors or outdoors. If a person smells secondhand smoke in any setting, they are breathing it into their lungs. The risk of secondhand smoke exposure outdoors appears to be related to both dosage and proximity to the source: a person in close proximity to the source of the secondhand smoke or a person in an area with a high concentration of secondhand smoke would be most likely to be at risk in outdoor settings. Action Steps We are beginning to see more policies established to protect people from secondhand smoke exposure in outdoor settings as has occurred previously at indoor settings. Restrictions are beginning to be placed on smoking in such places as: ^ Parks ^ Trails ^ Playgrounds ^ Beaches ^ Zoos ^ Patios ^ Building Entrances ^ Ball Fields ^ Skate Parks ^ Bus Stops ^ Street Dances ^ Festivals ^ Amusement Parks ^ Fair Grounds ^ Water Parks ^ Stadiums ^ Rodeo Arenas ^ Picnic Shelters By eliminating smoking at these types of outdoor settings, people are receiving protection from the health consequences of secondhand smoke exposure, just as they have come to expect to receive this type of protection indoors. References (1) CARB. (2003). "Technical Support Document for the Proposed Identification of Environmental Tobacco Smoke as a Toxic Alr Contaminant: Part A," Technical Report. California Environmental Protectlon Agency, Califomta Air Resources Board, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Chapter 5, pp. V6-V19. (2) Klepeis NE, Ott WR, Switzer P. (May 2007). "Real-Time Measurements of Outdoor Tobacco Smoke Particles." Journal of Air & Waste Management Assodatlon. Vol. 57. (3) Kennedy RD, Sendzlk T., Elton-Marshall T., Hammond D., Fong G. (2006). "Tobacco Smoke Pollution In Outdoor Hospitality Settings." University of Waterloo, Canada. Presented at the 13"' World Conference on Tobago OR Health 2006. (4) Repace, J. (2005). "Measurements of Outdoor Air Pollution from Secondhand Smoke on the UMBC Campus." www.repace.com Sept. 1007