PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Robyn R Keske
AU  - Vaughan W Rees
AU  - Ilan Behm
AU  - Brianna M Wadler
AU  - Alan C Geller
TI  - Second-hand smoke exposure and mitigation strategies among home visitation workers
AID  - 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2011-050133
DP  - 2013 Jul 01
TA  - Tobacco Control
PG  - 250--254
VI  - 22
IP  - 4
4099  - http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/22/4/250.short
4100  - http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/22/4/250.full
SO  - Tob Control2013 Jul 01; 22
AB  - Objectives Protection of workers from second-hand smoke (SHS) in occupational settings is an important policy priority, yet little attention has been given to SHS protection for home visitation health workers, who number almost 2 million in the USA. Self-reported SHS exposure, SHS mitigation strategies and suggestions for further SHS exposure reduction approaches were obtained from home visitation health workers in Massachusetts. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Massachusetts Early Intervention workers (N=316) at their state-wide conference in April 2010. Results Eighty-three per cent of respondents reported at least 1 hour per month of SHS exposure, and 16% reported at least 11 hours per month. Nevertheless, only 22% of workers counselled clients on maintaining a smoke-free home. Fewer than 30% of workers had ever voiced concerns to their employing agency, and just 12% had raised their concerns directly with clients. Only 14% stated that their agency had rules designed to protect workers from SHS. Conclusions SHS exposure occurs frequently among home visitation health workers. The data point to a substantial population who are not protected from SHS exposure by formal policies.