Secondhand Smoke
Research
New research explains link between SIDS and smoking
A study has elucidated a possible explanation for the association between maternal smoking and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke, even in moderate amounts, appears to have an effect on infants’ responses to hypoxic episodes in which they are deprived of oxygen. Normal babies release hormones called catecholamines in response to a hypoxic episode, prompting the fight-or-flight response of turning their heads from a facedown position to get more oxygen. Babies exposed to smoke are at risk for SIDS because they are less likely to have the proper hormonal response to a hypoxic episode. Click here for a summary of the study, which will appear in the May 2008 issue of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).
Case links woman’s death to environmental tobacco smoke, MSU prof says
A case study in the February issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine details the death of a nineteen year old waitress in a smoky Michigan bar who collapsed and died of an acute asthma attack at work. While those with asthma are especially susceptible to the effects of secondhand smoke, this young woman’s death is significant in that it is the first documented death of an adult related to environmental tobacco smoke. The Surgeon General warned in 2006 that secondhand smoke could cause heart disease, lung cancer, and death, but there was little hard evidence to show that secondhand smoke posed a threat to adults. Read more about the case study here.
Smoking ban brings dramatic improvement in air, study says
A University of Kentucky study compared the indoor air quality at Louisville businesses before smoking regulations were implemented, then during a partial smoking ban, and finally after all indoor smoking was banned. A previous study found that the state’s partial smoking ban had little effect on air quality in restaurants and bars. However, the present study found a major improvement in air quality after the full public smoking ban was in place. There was a 97 percent decrease in “particulate matter 2.5,” microscopic particles linked to cigarette smoke. This study provides hard evidence of the smoking ban’s effectiveness in improving indoor air quality. Click here for a summary of the result, or get the full research paper here.
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Reports
Ashtrays, lighters go way of tailfins
At the 2008 Detroit car show, most of the hot new cars on display did not include obligatory ashtrays and cigarette lighters. Chrysler and Dodge minivans started the trend in 1996, substituting storage space for ashtrays. Many other automobile manufacturers have since followed suit, replacing ashtrays and lighters with power outlets for electronics, storage compartments, and cup holders. Generally, smokers must opt to pay extra to have ashtrays or lighters installed in their new cars. Read more here.
Heavenly trying to snuff out smoking in chairlifts, lift lines
After complaints from customers about secondhand smoke, smoking is now banned in chairlifts and lift lines at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Smoking will now be restricted to designated areas in each of Heavenly’s ski lodges. Smoking policies vary at other ski resorts in the area; some have clear guidelines, while others merely discourage guests from smoking on lifts. Click here for more information on the anti-smoking policy at this Tahoe resort.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts going smokeless
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Four Points by Sheraton Hotels will be smoke-free by the end of 2008. Smoking in rooms and public areas will be prohibited, but there will be designated outdoor smoking areas. With 70 hotels already smoke-free, the hotel chain is in the midst of cleaning another 8,000 rooms in over 300 of its hotels in preparation for the new smoking policy. Click here to learn more.
New Fort Worth apartments will be smoke-free.
Going along with a new national trend of nonsmoking rental properties, a new apartment complex opening in Fort Worth, TX next month will be completely smoke-free. This will be the first smoke-free apartment complex in North Texas. According to a representative from the developer, Hillwood Properties, approximately 70% of a survey of apartment dwellers prefer a nonsmoking environment, and in fact, many are willing to pay extra for a guarantee of clean air. For more information, click here.
Condominium owners tell smokers: Take it outside
Condominium owners at La Rive, an upscale high-rise community in Minneapolis, recently voted to make their building smoke-free. Concerned about the effects of secondhand smoke on their health, 78% of the condominium’s residents voted in favor of the smoking ban. The anti-smoking rule has divided the residents; while some feel that the new smoking policy will increase the resale value of their property, others worry that prohibiting smoking might alienate potential buyers. Click here for the full story.
Judge says second-hand smoke led to cancer
A New Jersey woman was able to prove in court that she developed lung cancer as a result of occupational exposure to secondhand smoke. Kam Wong was a dealer at the Claridge Casino Hotel in Atlantic City for ten years, and was not significantly exposed to cigarette smoke except at work. Because her cancer has rendered her unable to work, she was awarded $150,000 in compensation for her lost wages and medical expenses. Read more about the case here.
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International
Heart attacks decreased after public smoking ban in Italy
An Italian study compared the number of acute coronary events five years prior to the national smoking ban versus rates one year after the law was implemented. Taking into account various factors unrelated to smoking that affect heart attack rates, there was an 11.2% reduction in acute coronary events among adults aged 35 to 64, and a 7.9% reduction among those 65 to 74. The smaller change among the older age group may reflect the fact that retirees spend less time in public places, such as workplaces, that were affected by the law. Indoor air quality also improved considerably since the smoking ban. Click here for the full story.
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