Second Hand Smoke

Research
 
Restaurant workers exhibit increased levels of biomarkers for ETS
Researchers at the University of Minnesota examined levels of biomarkers for environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in bar and restaurant workers on days they worked compared to days they did not work. Twenty non-smokers participated in the study and were exposed to their work environment for about six and a half hours each shift. Most participants had a significant increase in all three biomarkers observed. The results align with previous research demonstrating that ETS-exposed employees have up to 50% higher lung cancer rates than people unexposed in the workplace. It can also be noted that some levels for exposed workers in this study on their days off were still higher than the average nonsmoker’s, indicating a potential residual effect. The article was published in the May 2005 issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention Vol. 14, 1283-1286.

Second hand smoke affects rates of implantation and pregnancy in women undergoing IVF
A team of Canadian researchers from McMaster University conducted a preliminary study indicating that exposure to second hand smoke may affect the implantation rates and the pregnancy rates of women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Exposure was defined as living with a regular smoker. Pregnancy rates were similar in smokers (19%) and those exposed to second hand smoke (20%), while both rates were about half that of non-smoking women (48%). Implantation rates were also significantly lower in smokers and exposed women, both at 12%, than rates for non-smoking women (25%). Advanced access to the article was published on May, 26, 2005 in Human Reproduction. Click here for additional information.

Review indicates multiple physical effects of second hand smoke on the cardiovascular system
A review of the scientific literature on the physical effects of second hand smoke and active smoking indicates that second hand smoke can occur rapidly and have a significant impact on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Specifically demonstrated are the effects of SHS on platelet and endothelial function, arterial stiffness, atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, heart rate variability, energy metabolism, and increased heart attack size. Researchers also found that only minutes of SHS exposure can have an effect as much as 80 or 90 % of the effect of active smoking. The report was published in Circulation (2005;111:2684-2698) , a journal of the American Heart Association. Click here for additional information.

Website to aid clinicians in reducing children’s exposure to ETS
A new website devoted to reducing children's exposure to secondhand smoke was recently launched by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the AAP Center for Child Health Research, and the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC. The site is the second phase of the Smoke Free Homes Project, a comprehensive, national effort to train pediatric clinicians in brief, effective methods to reduce children's secondhand smoke exposure through parental smoking cessation and harm reduction.

EPA releases 2006 Report on the Environment for review and comment
The Environmental Protection Agency released it’s 2006 Report on the Environment (ROE) on June 6, for a 45 day period of public review and comment (closes July 25). Additions since the first ROE in 2003 include cotinine as an indicator of indoor air quality. Following the public review a peer review session will take place on July 27-29, and the report will be released in 2006. Click for the report and information on the process.

California: CalEPA publishes revised report evaluating ETS
The Air Resources Board (ARB) and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) of the California EPA has published a collaborative report evaluating environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and the exposure of Californians to ETS. The ARB looked at exposure of people in California specifically, while the OEHHA evaluated the potential harm caused by ETS. The draft report, "Proposed Identification of Environmental Tobacco Smoke as a Toxic Air Contaminant - June 2005," includes sections on exposure assessment and health effects, and responses to public comments.

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