Secondhand Smoke

Research

Passive smoking in cars linked to hay fever and wheezing in children
A recent study has found that youths who are exposed to secondhand smoke while riding in cars are more likely to report wheezing and hay fever symptoms than those who are not exposed. The effect remained significant after controlling for smoke exposure at home, child’s smoking status, and demographic factors. No significant association was found between exposure to second-hand smoke in cars and an increased prevalence of asthma. The researchers note that longitudinal studies are needed to further support the link between secondhand smoke exposure and respiratory and allergic symptoms. Read more here, or click here to read the study in the European Respiratory Journal.

Second-hand smoking results in liver disease, study finds
A study on mice has linked secondhand smoke exposure to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common chronic condition that occurs among people who drink little or no alcohol. Secondhand smoke exposure was associated with elevated activity in a biological process that synthesizes fatty acids, and which may contribute to the accumulation of lipids in the liver. This is the first study linking secondhand smoke to NAFLD. Click here to read more, or click here to read the study in the Journal of Hepatology.

For heart health: Avoid tobacco smoke, pollution
New evidence indicates that even a small amount of smoke exposure, whether from active smoking or secondhand smoke, can raise a person’s risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data on over one million adults, and found that smoke inhalation amounting to far less than the smoke from one cigarette can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 20-30%. More smoke exposure was associated with a greater risk. The steepest increase in risk occurred at the lowest levels of smoke exposure, which suggests that even a small increase in smoke exposure can have a considerable effect. Click here to read more. The research was published online in the American Heart Association's medical journal, Circulation. Click here to read the abstract.

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Reports

Avis and Budget to offer 100 percent smoke-free fleet
Avis Budget Group, Inc. announced that Avis Rent-a-Car and Budget Rent-a-Car vehicles in the United States and Canada will be smoke-free under a new corporate policy that prohibits smoking in its rental vehicles effective October 1. By going smoke-free, Avis and Budget will not only be enhancing customers’ comfort, but will also avoid the process of removing tobacco smoke and residue from their fleets. Read more here. Click here to read a Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids press release saluting Avis and Budget for going smoke-free. Because Avis and Budget have received some negative feedback on the new policy, clean air advocacy group Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights is encouraging consumers to write to the companies to show their appreciation for the new policy. Click here for information on how to write a thank you note to Avis or Budget.

Secondhand smoke risks underestimated, survey finds
A University of Kentucky HealthCare survey found that millions of Kentuckians are unaware of the serious risks to children who are exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes. They found that 45 percent of homes with children had at least one adult who did not believe in the dangers of secondhand smoke, and that 20 percent of respondents with children reported someone smoking inside their home in the past 30 days. In response to their findings, UK HealthCare launched a five-year campaign, targeted towards providing information to the public and increasing awareness on the dangers of secondhand smoke. With an adult smoking rate of 25.2 percent, Kentucky has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation. Click here to read the article.

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International

Smoke exposure low in European hospitals (Europe)
Policies in several European countries that prohibit smoking in hospitals have been effective in preventing secondhand smoke exposure, according to a recent study. Based on air quality data collected from thirty hospitals in seven countries (Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, Romania and Spain), the researchers conclude that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the hospitals was uniformly low. European Union officials are working toward a clean indoor air policy that will protect all countries in the EU by 2012; currently, ten countries enforce such a policy. Click here to read more about the study Click here to read the abstract in the European Respiratory Journal.

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