Secondhand Smoke
Research
Open windows, lower risk for preterm birth: Study
A recent study reports that opening a window may reduce pregnant women’s risk for preterm births. It states that an increase in fresh air through the act of opening windows in the home reduces expectant mothers’ exposure to secondhand smoke and other volatile organic compounds found in household products. The researchers asked pregnant women about their exposure to secondhand smoke at home and how often they used products such as hairspray, insect spray and nail polish. It was reported that women who were exposed to secondhand smoke in the home that opened their windows for less than half of the day were three times more likely to have babies with low birth weight and 92% more likely to have preterm birth. Also, regardless of secondhand smoke exposure, women who did not open their windows often were almost 50% more likely to have a low birth weight baby. Any exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to pregnant mothers and their babies, and this study shows that increasing the ventilation can aid in preventing preterm or low birth weight babies. Click here to read more about this study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Click here to read the study abstract.
Secondhand smoke riskier than cholesterol
According to a new study, the risk of developing clogged arteries is greater from secondhand smoke exposure than from other heart disease risk factors. The prevalence of coronary heart plaque in individuals exposed to secondhand smoke was 24-26% compared with 19% for the general public. Additionally, those with the highest amount of secondhand smoke exposure were 90% more likely to have coronary plaque compared to the general public. It was also reported that the odds for developing coronary disease were higher with secondhand smoke exposure than for the cardiovascular risk factors diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and renal disease. Age and male gender were the only risk factors for developing arterial plaque that had a higher odds ratio than secondhand smoke. This study provides evidence that secondhand smoke is harmful to the heart, and that doctors should inquire about exposure in every routine exam. Click here to read more about this study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. Click here to access the study abstract.
Wipe sampling for nicotine as a marker of thirdhand tobacco smoke contamination on surfaces in homes, cars, and hotels
A new study reports that surface wipe sampling as a means for detecting quantities of nicotine residue on surfaces from thirdhand smoke may be reliable and valid. The performance of wipe sampling for nicotine as a result of thirdhand smoke was analyzed using data from five real-world studies. Surfaces tested in the studies were in homes, cars, and hotels. This study suggests that the simple collection method of surface wiping is effective in detecting contamination due to thirdhand smoke. Click here to read the study abstract published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
top
Reports
Sorry smokers, you can't use electronic cigarettes on airplanes
Despite claims from several e-cigarette companies that their products can be used anywhere, even in places where regular cigarettes are restricted, e-cigarettes are not allowed on airplanes. According to a spokesperson from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), policies regarding e-cigarettes are up to each U.S. air carrier, and “currently U.S. air carriers do not allow them since they contradict the no smoking ban as well as produce a propylene glycol emission when smoked.” U.S air carriers JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines all prohibit the use of e-cigarettes on their airplanes. Protecting passengers on airplanes from exposure to e-cigarette vapors is important until more is learned about the health effects associated with e-cigarette use. Click here to read more.
top
State Policy
Oregon Senate passes bill to prohibit smoking in cars with minors (OR)
A bill that would ban smoking in vehicles with children has been passed in the Oregon Senate. The first offense would cost drivers $250, a second offense $500, and three or more offenses $1,000, according to Senate Bill 444. The bill specifies that the infraction would be a secondary offense, meaning that a driver would first need to be stopped and detained for a separate traffic violation. Oregon already has strong smoke-free air laws in place, and this legislation would strengthen these laws. Click here to read more. Click here to track SB 444 that has been sent to the House for consideration.
Watered-down version of e-cigarettes bill passes House committee (UT)
A bill that prohibits the smoking of hookah pipes and e-cigarettes in public places in Utah was approved by the House. This legislation adds hookah pipes and e-cigarettes to the list of smoking devices under the existing Utah Indoor Clean Air Act, and was created in order to prevent commonplace use of these products in public places. A loophole in the bill allows hookah bars to remain operating as they currently do at least until 2017. Click here to read more. Click here to track HB 245.
Washington State's proposed legislation would again allow public smoking (WA)
A proposed bill in Washington would allow cigar smoking in 600 of the state’s businesses. This bill undermines the existing smoke-free air law that prohibits smoking in workplaces. HB 1750 allows establishments that have a tobacco retail license to be designated as a cigar lounge where smoking would be allowed on the premises if the smoking area is separated from any location where smoking is prohibited under state law. Health organizations in the state such as the American Cancer Society are speaking out against this bill due to the adverse health effects of secondhand smoke exposure. Click here to read more. Click here to track SB 1750, which has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee.
top
International
No smoking in Russia (Russia)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved stricter smoke-free air laws. According to the new laws, smoking will no longer be permitted in public buildings, on children’s playgrounds. Cigarette advertisements as well as cigarette packs on display in stores will be prohibited. These laws were created to protect the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and tobacco use. The law will take effect in June 2013. Click here to read more.
top
Back to Table of Contents
|
