Secondhand Smoke

Research

MRI identifies lung damage from secondhand smoke exposure
For the first time, researchers have the ability to visualize the damage from secondhand smoke on an MRI.  The magnetic resonance (MR) images appear different between nonsmokers, those exposed to secondhand smoke, and smokers. In this new procedure, the patient inhales hyperpolarized helium, which spreads through the lungs within 1.5 seconds.  The helium diffuses into the smokers’ damaged alveoli to a greater extent than in nonsmokers’ lungs.    Read the full article here.

Study: Smokers' wives have higher cancer risk
A recent Japanese study found that the nonsmoking wives of smokers are at an elevated risk for adenocarcinoma, one of the most common types of lung cancer among women.  Women whose husbands smoke in the home doubled their risk of adenocarcinoma compared to women with smoke-free spouses.  The risk of adenocarcinoma also increased as the husbands smoked more.  To read more, click here.

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Reports

Health group calls for Health Canada to end Japan Tobacco’s misleading new advertising campaign.
A new brand of cigarettes released in Canada is under fire for misleading the public with its advertising claims about its “less smoke smell technology.”  The advertising does not clearly state the fact that while the product’s smell is weaker, the product, called Mirage, is no less hazardous than other cigarettes.  Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada has appealed to the Canadian Minister of Health to investigate and prosecute the Japan Tobacco Company for its deceptive advertising.  Read more here.

Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation reports Ohio is breathing easier one year later
Exactly one year after the Smoke Free Workplace Act was passed in Ohio, the Ohio Air Monitoring Study delivers good news about the results of the state health initiative.  The study compared the air quality in 29 bars and restaurants before and after the smoking law went into effect, and found that indoor air pollution decreased an average of 94%.  The study also found 100% compliance with the law in the 29 restaurants and bars that were inspected.  Read more here.

Warning over dangers for non-smokers
While 70% of Chinese people are affected by secondhand smoke, most are not aware of the dangers of the smoke, according to the All-China Environmental Federation (AEF), a non-governmental Chinese environmental organization.  In order to educate the public before the 2008 Olympics and improve awareness, the AEF will hold six informational symposiums throughout China.  To read more about secondhand smoke in China, click here.

Adelaide bid to be 'smoke free' city
Legislation up for debate next year will potentially make the Australian city of Adelaide the first smoke-free city in the world.  The Tobacco Products Regulation (A Smoke-Free Adelaide) Amendment Bill 2007 will ban smoking throughout the city for at least one day a year.  To learn more about the proposal, click here.

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