Abstract: Objectives: In this study, we measured concentrations of PM2.5 and major volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present during a real-world indoor e-cigarette event. Methods: Particulates of 2.5 μm aerodynamic diameter or smaller (PM2.5) were me

Since 2015, OTRU has been conducting an ongoing formative evaluation to assess the implementation and impact of the outdoor Smoke-Free Ontario Act smoking regulations. This report presents findings from data collected in 2016-2017 and includes a summ

This update provides an overview of OTRU’s Knowledge and Evaluation Support initiative for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. We highlight two projects supported by this initiative: Evaluation of the Amended Toronto Smoke-free Bylaws, and the Love My Life Ca

OTRU has begun a new project to assess the implementation and impact of the new tobacco and e-cigarette policy measures being implemented in Ontario. This newsletter provides an overview of the new measures and outlines evaluation activities happenin

In collaboration with public health units, OTRU conducted an evaluation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act outdoor smoking regulations that banned smoking on restaurant/bar patios, playgrounds and sports fields effective January 1, 2015. Findings suggest

This infographic is based on the findings of a study by OTRU researchers that assessed air quality using multiple ambient air measures and a biomarker for exposure in both indoor and outdoor waterpipe cafes in Toronto, Canada. Zhang B, Haji F, Kaufma

Abstract: Background: Tobacco and non-tobacco-based waterpipe smoking has increased exponentially in many countries in recent decades, particularly among youth and young adults. Although tobacco smoking is banned in many indoor public places, waterpi

Abstract Objectives: Smoke-free policies not only reduce harm to non-smokers, they may also reduce harm to smokers by decreasing the number of cigarettes smoked and increasing the likelihood of a successful quit attempt. However, little is known abou

This update provides a brief overview of smoking prevalence and exposure to secondhand smoke in Ontario based on the findings of the recently released 2013 Canadian Community Health Survey. The last significant change in smoking prevalence was betwee

This newsletter is the third of a series from OTRU’s Evaluation Support Team outlining OTRU’s evaluation and research services for Ontario’s Public Health Units, Tobacco Control Area Networks, and other tobacco Transfer Payment Agencies. The newslett

This update provides an overview of the issues surrounding exposure to outdoor smoking including the impacts of physical and social exposure, constituents of outdoor second hand smoke, potential harm to health, and impact on wildlife and the environm

Abstract Background: Health policy-making, a complex, multi-factorial process, requires balancing conflicting values. A salient issue is public support for policies; however, one reason for limited impact of public opinion may be misperceptions of po

The main goal of this evaluation was to explore the implementation and impact of TFSR policies within the sport of hockey in four Ontario public health units (PHUs) and examine the barriers and facilitators in TFSR policy implementation. This report

Abstract We estimated the impact of a smoke-free workplace bylaw on non-smoking bar workers’ health in Ontario, Canada. We measured bar workers’ urine cotinine before (n = 99) and after (n = 91) a 2004 smoke-free workplace bylaw. Using ph

Abstract Introduction: An unintended consequence of indoor smoking restrictions is the relocation of smoking to building entrances, where non-smokers may be exposed to secondhand smoke, and smoke from outdoor areas may drift through entrances, exposi

There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Even brief exposure can trigger asthma attacks in children, and exposure can have immediate negative health impacts in adults including general respiratory and eye irritation, asthma symptoms, and

Abstract This paper identifies factors that influence where people smoke outdoors and examines the impact of smoking on people who use outdoor public places. Direct observations of smoking at 12 outdoor public places and semi-structured interviews wi

This update highlights findings that were recently published in Kaufman P, Griffin K, Ferrence R, Cohen J, Perkins N. Smoking in Urban Outdoor Public Places: Behaviour, Experiences and Implications for Public Health. Health and Place 16: 961-968, 201

This is the fourth in a series of reports about the formative evaluation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA). The design of the formative evaluation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act comprises four components that include a province-wide compliance surv

Abstract Background: The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) came into effect in May 2006 and included restrictions to outdoor hospitality areas by only permitting smoking on a patio if the area had no roof. Objectives: (1) To assess the impact of the SFOA

Abstract Many studies have evaluated the impact of indoor smoking bans on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. No studies have assessed the impact of a smoking ban on SHS in enclosed areas outside separately ventilated, designated smoking rooms (DSRs). T

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of an indoor smoke-free bylaw in Toronto, Ontario, implemented June 2004. Methods: We used a pre-post comparison design to assess secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among 79 eligible bar workers in Toronto, Ont

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. This Update outlines legislation to reduce or eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke in various locations in Ontario. Protection from secondhand smoke in Ontario is comparable to that of other C

This is the third in a series of reports about the formative evaluation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA). The design of the formative evaluation includes three province-wide compliance surveys of randomly selected tobacco vendors and public place

This is the second in a series of reports about the formative evaluation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA). The design of the formative evaluation includes three province-wide compliance surveys of randomly selected tobacco vendors and public plac

This is the first in a series of reports about the formative evaluation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. The design of the formative evaluation includes three province-wide compliance surveys of randomly selected tobacco vendors and public places (rest

Abstract Aims: On 1 August 2001, the City of Ottawa (Canada’s Capital) implemented a smoke‐free bylaw that completely prohibited smoking in work‐places and public places, including restaurants and bars, with no exemption for separately ventilat