Secondhand Smoke

Research

Exposure to second-hand smoke reduced: New estimate of annual clinical burden and cost of coronary heart disease treatment attributable to passive smoking
Exposure to secondhand smoke has decreased in the U.S. in recent years, which has attributed to the reduced amount of coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths. Because of the known connection between secondhand smoke and CHD, a mathematical model of this relationship has been updated to reflect this change in exposure patterns. The CHD Policy Model is a computer model used to predict CHD incidence, prevalence, mortality, and costs in U.S. adults over 35, using data from the U.S. Census, the Framingham Heart Study, and other large national studies. The researchers who developed the model make note of the significant impact that public policies can have on health, predicting that if the recent 25-40% decline in secondhand smoke exposure continues from 2000-2008, the CHD incidence will decrease by 25-30%. Find out more here. The article is published in the January 2009 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Secondhand smoke causes fertility problems study
Women exposed to secondhand smoke during childhood and early adulthood may have more trouble getting pregnant and may be more likely to have miscarriages than women with no smoke exposure. Data were collected from 4,800 women about their attempts to become pregnant, history of pregnancies, and miscarriages, as well as information on past smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. Women who reported that they were exposed to secondhand smoke from their parents’ smoking were 26% more likely to report difficulties in becoming pregnant, compared to women who were not exposed to smoke. Those who reported any secondhand smoke exposure were 39% more likely to report miscarriages. Because of the high prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure of women in the U.S., these findings suggest that reducing women’s secondhand smoke exposure could make a significant impact on reproductive health. Click here to read a summary of the findings, or click here to read the abstract of the article, which appears in the journal Tobacco Control.

Study strengthens link between tobacco smoke and behavioral problems in boys with asthma
Studies suggest that secondhand smoke exposure is associated with behavioral problems in children with asthma, but most studies rely on reports from parents of smoke exposure. To improve accuracy, a new study used a lab test to measure cotinine, a biomarker of smoke exposure. Smoke exposure was also verified by in-home observation, and parents reported on the children’s behavior problems. The study found that girls with asthma were more frequently exposed to secondhand smoke, but that the relationship between smoke exposure and behavioral problems was only significant among boys. The problem behaviors affected by smoke exposure included hyperactivity, aggression, depression, and other behavior symptoms. The researcher notes that these findings illustrate the importance of protecting high risk individuals, such as children with asthma, from smoke exposure. Click here for more information. Click here to read the abstract of the research published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

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Reports

Smoking practices, policies, and preferences in Oregon rental housing, 2008 (OR)
A statewide telephone survey was conducted in Oregon to assess attitudes toward smokefree housing and secondhand smoke among residents of rental housing. Overall, 15% of renters—and 21% of those in multi-unit buildings—reported being exposed to secondhand smoke from other renters on a regular basis. Attitudes toward smokefree housing appear positive, as 80% of renters already have no-smoking rules at home. The survey suggests that even smokers prefer smokefree rental housing, since only 11% of smokers reported that they smoke in their home daily. The demand for smokefree housing appears to be far greater than the amount of smokefree housing currently available; 70% of renters said they would choose smokefree rental, with all other things being equal, but only 2 in 10 rental properties are currently smokefree. This survey was conducted on behalf of the Oregon Tobacco Prevention & Education Program as the first phase of a project to assess the demand for smokefree housing. Click here to download a copy of the report.

Hospital wants sidewalk smoking ban (CT)
The Yale-New Haven Hospital has requested approval from local authorities to require the sidewalks surrounding the hospital to be smoke-free zones. A similar policy has been implemented at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Hospital officials believe that the smokefree policy will create an environment that promotes well-being, but smokers are concerned about the lack of safe places to smoke near the hospital’s large campus. Another concern is that without proper provisions in the policy, inpatients, who are required to stay on the hospital campus, could be left in limbo with nowhere to smoke. The proposal will undergo a public hearing before it can be approved by the city’s Board of Aldermen. Smoking is currently banned inside the hospital, and as of January 1, smoking will also be prohibited on hospital grounds, including outdoor areas. The hospital is offering cessation counseling to support employees and patients through the transition. Find out more here.

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International

Plans for a smoke-free World Cup (South Africa)
At the recent conference of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, South Africa’s Health Director-General Thami Mseleku, announced that the 2010 soccer World Cup, the world’s largest sporting event, will be smoke-free. The health department in South Africa is planning to publicize the rules against smoking with advertising campaigns and signage around the stadium. South Africa is in the process of tightening its tobacco control laws; pictorial warnings are expected to appear on cigarette packaging within six months, and a new law is expected to pass that will limit tobacco industry sponsorship and marketing. Read more here.

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