Secondhand Smoke

Research

Maternal smoking may alter arousal process of infants, increasing their risk for SIDS
Researchers from Australia have found that maternal smoking might increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) more so than infant stomach sleeping. The study found that smoke-exposed infants had lower proportions of full cortical arousal and increased sub-cortical arousal during sleep. Researchers observed greater effects in the brain among infants with higher smoke exposure levels. Decreased cortical arousal has been linked to SIDS deaths in previous research. The researchers conclude that maternal smoking was associated with impaired arousal processes in smoke-exposed infants and it might increase the risk of SIDS. One limitation of the study is its small sample size of 25 infants. Click here to read more. Click here to read an abstract of the study in the journal Sleep.

Secondhand smoke affecting millions of New Yorkers
The New York City Department of Health and Hygiene found that over half of NYC non-smoking residents had elevated levels of secondhand smoke residue in their blood. Non-smoking city residents were also found to have significantly higher secondhand smoke exposure levels when compared to non-smokers nationally. The study compared smoke exposure data from a citywide Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2004 to the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among the NYC non-smokers, 69% of Asian adults had elevated exposure to secondhand smoke, and low-income adults had higher levels of exposure compared to those with higher incomes. Non-smoking males and individuals aged 20-39 also had high rates of secondhand smoke exposure. Click here to read more. Click here to read the full study in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

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Reports

American Legacy Foundation: Tobacco is toxic for Toto too
During Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, in April, the American Legacy Foundation has partnered with the ASPCA to bring attention to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke for both people and their pets. Although most smokers are familiar with the dangers of smoking, many are not aware of the growing body of research suggesting that animals can face respiratory problems and even cancer from being exposed to secondhand smoke. According to a recent article in the journal Tobacco Control, 28% of smokers who own pets would be motivated to quit after learning that secondhand smoke might harm their pets. Click here to read more from the American Legacy Foundation.

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International

Tobacco bans spark anger: Tobacco bans in mental health facilities have got some front-line workers fuming (Australia)
As of April 1, 2009, all health facilities run by Melbourne Health will be subject to an indoor and outdoor smoking ban implemented by the organization. The organization administers a range of facilities, including several targeting mental health. Patients and employees must now smoke outside of facility gates, but those who are receiving involuntary treatment will not have this option. Many patients and healthcare providers oppose the policy, citing possible adverse affects of nicotine withdrawal on patients already tackling severe mental health issues. Proponents say that there has been plenty of preparation time, and smokers will be offered cessation help including counseling and nicotine replacement therapy. Click here for more information.

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