Secondhand Smoke

Research

Rates of secondhand smoke exposure high among college students
Researchers surveyed 4,223 undergraduates at ten North Carolina Universities to assess secondhand smoke exposure and correlates of exposure. A total of 83% of the students reported being exposed to secondhand smoke during the seven days prior to being surveyed. The most common source of exposure was at a restaurant or bar (65%), followed by exposure at home or while in the same room as a smoker (55%), and in a car (38%). Click here to learn more, or click here to download the full text of the journal article, which appeared in the July 23 issue of Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

Do indoor smoke-free laws provide bar workers with adequate protection from secondhand smoke?
A recent study evaluated whether an indoor smoking ban that allows smoking on patios adequately protects bar and restaurant workers. Air quality testing was performed at 25 bars with outdoor patios in Toronto, Canada shortly after Ontario’s indoor smoking ban took effect. The data showed that as the number of lit cigarettes increased, there was a statistically significant decrease in the mean air quality (indicated by increased levels of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PPAH). Click here for more information.

Home smoking rules tend to vary by race
African American families are less likely to prohibit smoking in their homes than white families, according to a recent study. Additionally, black teens were less likely to attempt to quit smoking, indicating that allowing smoking at home may decrease the likelihood that teens will make a quit attempt. Teens that live in a home where smoking is allowed are more likely to try smoking, to smoke daily, and to feel that smoking is not dangerous to their health. On the other hand, the study found that African American adolescents in general are much less likely to smoke than white teens. The study, which will appear in the August issue of Health Education & Behavior, suggests that smoking trends in adolescents vary by race and parenting style, and that home smoking restrictions can make the home environment more conducive to cessation. Click here to read more.

The effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy and postnatal household smoking on dental caries in young children
A study has found that both maternal smoking and postnatal exposure to secondhand smoke are associated poor oral health in children. Using questionnaires, the researchers collected data on maternal smoking during pregnancy and postnatal secondhand smoke exposure for 2015 three year old children, and the children’s teeth were checked for cavities. The prevalence of cavities in children of mothers who smoked throughout pregnancy was 43% higher than in children of mothers who did not smoke during pregnancy. Click here to read the abstract of the article, which was published in the Journal of Pediatrics.

Evidence and argument in policymaking: Development of workplace smoking legislation
In a recent study, researchers sought to identify factors that affect the passage of public health legislation by conducting a content analysis of legislative materials used in the development of six state laws restricting workplace smoking. They examined the use of different types of arguments for and against the smokefree laws, and compared patterns in the arguments to the relative strength of the final legislation that was passed. Regardless of whether supporters of smokefree legislation outnumbered opponents, or vice versa, the use of scientific evidence in testimony was linked to the passage of legislation that provided greater protection against secondhand smoke. Click here to read the full article, which was published in BMC Public Health in June.

Secondhand smoke threatens casino workers’ health
A recent study found that nonsmoking casino workers face a heightened risk of heart disease and lung cancer due to their exposure to secondhand smoke at work. The researcher measured air quality inside and outside Pennsylvania casinos, and measured casino patrons’ urine for levels of a by-product of tobacco smoke to assess smoke exposure. Based on mathematical modeling using those measurements, the study estimates that six of every 10,000 nonsmoking casino employees in Pennsylvania will die each year because of exposure to secondhand smoke. Making the case for smoke-free casinos, the researcher notes that this estimated death rate is five times greater than the death rate related to mining accidents among the state’s mine workers. Click here to read more. Click here access the full text of article, which was published in the American Journal of Public Health.

Who is exposed to secondhand smoke? Self-reported and serum cotinine measured exposure in the U.S., 1996-2000
A recent study analyzed data from the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which examined the exposure levels of secondhand smoke (SHS) in non-smoking children, adolescents, and adults. The researchers found that exposure rates were the highest in children, followed by adolescents and adults. However, the study determined that over the eight-year study period, serum cotinine levels declined by 31% in children, 36% in adolescents, and 25% in adults. The study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Click here for a PDF version of the article.

Using indoor air quality monitoring in 6 counties to change policy in North Carolina
A study was published in the July issue of CDC’s Preventing Chronic Disease that emphasized the hazards of secondhand smoke in venues that allow smoking in all areas and venues with mixed smoking policies (separated smoking and non-smoking sections). The study was conducted in 6 counties in North Carolina. Venues that implemented complete smoke-free policies had levels of particulate matter far below EPA’s standards, whereas venues with a mixed policy or no smoke-free policy showed particulate matter which is considered unhealthy by EPA standards. The results were presented to key decision makers, including local health directors, state legislators, and public health advocates. As the results of the study were disseminated, data were collected on media publicity generated by the study. The researchers hope to influence policy makers on implementing complete smoke-free policies. Click here for a PDF of the study’s findings.

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Reports

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Recommendations on non-smoking policies in public housing
This notice from the Department of Housing and Urban Development strongly encourages Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to implement smokefree policies in some or all of their public housing units. This document describes the implications of smokefree policies for improved air quality, fire safety, and reduced maintenance costs.  Click here to download a PDF of the recommendations. Click here to read a statement from the American Lung Association in support of the recommendations.

Smoke-free living: Good for business - good for health
Two online videos from California's Clean Air Project (CCAP) feature statements from scientists, advocates, policy makers, apartment managers/owners, lawyers, and renters on various smoke-free living issues. The videos were developed to educate coalition members, advocates, apartment owners/managers, tenants, and policy makers about the dangers of secondhand smoke in multi-unit housing and the benefits of smoke-free living. Click here to view the video geared toward advocates. Click here to view the edition for policy makers.

Smoke-Free Environments Law Project (SFELP) listing of housing authorities/commissions which have adopted smoke-free policies
The Smoke-Free Environments Law Project offers a list of public housing authorities/commissions in the United States that have adopted smokefree policies for one or more of their apartment buildings. SFELP is a statewide project in Michigan that provides information, consultation and advice for businesses, local units of government, and individuals on policies and practices that protect the public from the effects of environmental tobacco smoke. Click here to download the data sheet, or click here to visit the SFELP website.

Updated model smokefree ordinance
Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR) released its annual update to its model ordinance prohibiting smoking in all workplaces and public places. This model ordinance language has been used effectively in hundreds of communities across the country. Before using the model ordinance, please see the companion documents that explain the various sections of the model ordinance, and offer key information about common drafting mistakes and policy pitfalls to avoid. Click here to download a PDF of the model ordinance, or click here for additional information on the ANR website about drafting a smokefree ordinance.

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International

Pubs are reeling from smoke ban as habits change (U.K.)
Although the U.K.’s two year old smoking ban had support from 80% of the public in a recent national survey, pub owners are divided on whether the ban has affected their profits. Pubs in the North East are reporting large losses in alcohol sales, but owners can’t tell whether these losses are due to the ban or the flagging economy. Only 15% of the general public opposed the smoking ban, an indication of the new law’s popular support. Click here for more details. Click here to read the results of the survey.

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