Secondhand Smoke

Research

Study confirms deposits of toxic chemicals in thirdhand cigarette smoke
A recent study published in Tobacco Control reports on thirdhand cigarette smoke and the effects of aging on the concentrations of nicotine, nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on surfaces. In a laboratory setting, researchers simulated cigarette smoking with the amount of air exchange that would occur in a normal household environment, and then measured the concentration of sixteen specific contaminants on surfaces. Results of the study suggest the majority of PAHs, nicotine, cotinine, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines that are released from cigarettes are deposited on room surfaces as thirdhand smoke. This study contributes to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the chemical changes secondhand smoke undergoes when released into the air and the contribution of thirdhand smoke in smoking-attributable morbidity and mortality. To view the study abstract, click here.

Aggressive behavior linked specifically to secondhand smoke exposure in childhood
A study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health shows an association between long-term household tobacco exposure in childhood and later childhood antisocial behavior. Researchers used a prospective cohort study design to measure the amount of children’s smoke exposure at home over time and antisocial behavior at the end of fourth grade. The researchers found that children exposed to a continuous level of secondhand smoke exhibited higher self-reported aggressive behavior and teacher-rated antisocial behavior as compared to children never exposed to secondhand smoke at home. Findings of the study suggest further need for effective policies to limit secondhand smoke in environments with young children. Click here to read more about the study or read the study abstract here.

top

Reports

A smoking ban in all Related Companies rental properties
This month, Related Companies, an apartment and condominium company with locations in Manhattan, Boston, Los Angeles, and other cities, announced that tenants can no longer smoke in any of the company’s 40,000 managed or owned units. Related Co. will require that tenants sign a contact promising not to smoke in the building, including within their own home and terrace. The new rule builds on a 2009 effort to curb tobacco by Related when the company prohibited smoking in some of their properties in New York. Related says the policy is part of a larger effort to create healthy living conditions for tenants. The policy is the first effort on a national level of a property owner to prohibit smoking in private residences. To read more about this story, click here.

New fact sheet: Disclosure of smoking policies in multi-unit housing
The Tobacco Control Legal Consortium released a fact sheet titled “Disclosure of Smoking Policies in Multi-Unit Housing” to explain the concept of landlord smoking policy disclosure ordinances or statutes. The report covers the legal basis for smoking disclosure, disclosure approaches, enforcement and evaluation techniques, and policy examples. The document also includes benefits and concerns that authorities should keep in mind when enforcing smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing. To read the fact sheet, click here. Click here to visit the Public Health Law Center’s website.

top

State Policy

Oregon bans smoking in cars with kids (OR)
Governor John Kitzhaber signed a law in Oregon prohibiting drivers from smoking in cars containing passengers under the age of 18. Under the new law, drivers caught smoking, or with marijuana or narcotics, with individuals less than 18 years old in the car will face heavy fines. The maximum fine for the first offense is set at $250. To read about the law, click here, or click here for additional background information. Click here to read the new policy.

Indoor smoking ban: Lawmaker says he's been promised a committee vote on his bill (PA)
A Pennsylvania legislator has introduced a bill that could amend the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act to include areas that are exempt from smoking regulations under the 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act, including bars, casinos, private clubs, and other establishments. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mario Scavello, R-Monroe, says he has been told that the bill will receive a committee vote this legislative session, which would amount to more progress than any other proposal to expand the smoke-free law since the 2008 law was passed. To read more, click here. Click here to track HB 1485, which has been referred to the Human Services Committee.

top

International

France to ban electronic cigarettes in public (France)
Health Minister Marisol Touraine announced that France will impose strict controls to ban electronic cigarette smoking in public places. Restrictions on electronic cigarette smoking in public places will mirror a law prohibiting smoking in public places that has been enforced in France since 2007. The ruling followed a government-commissioned report stating that around 500,000 people in France used e-cigarettes. Health officials cite a need for further study on the health impacts of electronic cigarettes, as well as concern that electronic cigarettes will increase the temptation to smoke and, in turn, hinder tobacco cessation efforts. To read more, click here.

Italy may ban smoking e-cigarettes in public places (Italy)
The Italian Health Ministry’s Superior Health Council has recommended a ban on the use of electronic cigarettes in public places, according to recent reports. The suggested ban will also prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes to pregnant women and minors. If the recommendations pass, Italy will follow the lead of several countries that have outlawed e-cigarettes including Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, and Singapore. Electronic cigarette opponents argue that more research is needed to understand the social and health consequences of electronic cigarettes. Click here to learn more.

Russia tries to kick habit with anti-smoking law (Russia)
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that new smoke-free air policies have come into effect on June 1, 2013. Measures taken into place this June were part of a law signed by Putin in February 2013, and include smoking bans at schools and universities, museums, sports facilities, hospitals, and public transportation. Russia plans to continue tobacco control efforts in June 2014 by making cafes, restaurants, and hotels smoke-free, as well as prohibiting tobacco sales at street kiosks. Currently, nearly 40% of Russians smoke, and Russians have an average life expectancy of 69 years. To read more about the measures, click here.

top

Back to Table of Contents