Secondhand Smoke

Research

Toxin detected after one shift in smoky bar: study
Recent research has demonstrated that even brief exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increases the level of a toxin known as NKK in non-smoking bar workers. NKK is a potent carcinogen responsible for the development of lung cancer.  Participants in the study included 52 workers employed in establishments where smoking was allowed and 32 workers employed in non-smoking establishments; most were young, uninsured women. Each participant gave a urine sample before and after working a shift of at least four hours. Researchers observed that the employees of smoking establishments were significantly more likely to have detectable levels of the NNK, a smoking byproduct. Furthermore, this level of NNK increased an average of six percent for every hour worked in a restaurant or bar where smoking was allowed. Click here to read more or to view the abstract of the study recently published in the American Journal of Public Health, click here. To read the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ response written by Executive Director William V. Corr, click here.

Mother’s secondhand smoke exposure linked to psychological problems for kids
Researchers at the University of Washington have demonstrated for the first time that maternal exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy is associated with increased prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder symptoms in children. The researchers compared patterns of psychopathology among three groups of children aged seven to fifteen with behavioral or emotional disturbances. The first group consisted of children whose mother’s were not exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy, the second included children whose mothers smoked during the final two trimesters, and the third group consisted of children whose mothers were exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work during the second and third trimesters. Primary results indicate that children whose mothers smoked or whose mothers were exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy had more adverse behavioral symptoms than children whose mothers were not exposed to smoke during pregnancy. To read more about the research study published in Child Psychiatry and Human Development, click here.

Reduced secondhand smoke exposure after implementation of a statewide ban – New York, 2003-2004
A recent study has examined changes in a biological marker of secondhand smoke exposure among non-smokers in New York City after the implementation of the state’s comprehensive smokefree law. Saliva cotinine levels among nonsmoking participants in the New York Adult Tobacco Survey (NYATS) dropped 47% in the year following the ban. Click here to access the full report in the July 20th issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Irish smokefree law has reduced smoking in the home
A recent study in Ireland has demonstrated that implementation of a smoking ban is associated with a reduction in smoking in the home. Researchers conducted interviews with current smokers, and approximately one-fifth indicated that they had placed more stringent restrictions on smoking while at home. Only six percent reported that they smoked more and over 70 percent agreed that the ban had no effect on their smoking behavior at home. These results provide convincing evidence that comprehensive smoking bans do not lead to an increase in smoking in the home. To read more about the study, recently published in the European Journal of Public Health, click here.

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Policy

New strengthened international standards for indoor air quality
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recently strengthened its international standards for indoor air quality by revising Standard 62.1. This standard now states that ventilation is only intended to address odor and comfort, but not to mitigate the effects of secondhand smoke. ASHRAE also revised the language of one of its health disclaimers stating that increased ventilation will not minimize the detrimental health effects of secondhand smoke. Click here to read more or to access the full report.

Colorado celebrates one year of smoke-free workplaces
A recent study by Colorado’s State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership has demonstrated a 70 percent improvement in indoor air quality in hospitality establishments since the implementation of the state’s smoking ban one year ago. Air quality in bars, taverns and restaurants improved the most, as the study demonstrates a 90 percent improvement in these venues. In terms of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, the air quality in these venues improved from “unhealthy” to “good,” which means the level of risk to patrons is very low to negligible. Click here to read more.

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