Research

Smoking in pregnancy tied to lower reading scores
A recent study finds that prenatal exposure to nicotine can impact reading performance among school age children. A longitudinal study of 5,119 students investigated reading skill outcomes associated with prenatal nicotine exposure. Exposure was categorized as high (more than 17 mg per day), low (less than or equal to 17 mg per day), and no exposure. Prenatal nicotine exposure was found to be associated with an increased risk of underperformance in certain reading skill outcomes. Specifically, poor performance in decoding single words and phonological issues were identified among students with high exposure. Smoking while pregnant is discouraged due to the adverse health effects on the child. Click here to read the study abstract published in the Journal of Pediatrics.

Secondhand smoke increases risk of invasive meningococcal disease in children
Exposure to secondhand smoke has been reported to be associated with a higher risk of invasive meningococcal disease. Invasive meningococcal disease is a major cause of bacterial meningitis and can cause severe illness. It is prevalent in children and young adults and can lead to death in 1 out of 20 sufferers, even with medical treatment. A systematic review of 18 studies found that secondhand smoke in the home doubled the risk of developing invasive meningococcal disease. The risk was even higher among children under five years old. Children exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy had a three times higher risk of developing invasive meningococcal disease during childhood than children not exposed in pregnancy. Parents and families are urged not to smoke around children and while pregnant in order to reduce the health risks in children, especially related to invasive meningococcal disease. Click here to read more. Click here to read the study abstract published in BMC Public Health.

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