22 N. Georgia Ave.  Suite 300  .  Mason City, IA 50401  .  Phone: 641-421-9300  .  Toll Free: 1-888-264-2581  .  Fax: 641-421-9350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
     Health Promotion and Education

Environmental Tobacco Smoke: Why it's Important to You

There is a cause and effect relationship between tobacco exposure and human cancer incidence, according to the National Institutes of Health's National Toxicology Program's 9th issue of the Report on Carcinogens.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke, also known as secondhand smoke, is classified as a Group A carcinogen (known to cause cancer in humans) under the EPA's carcinogen assessment guidelines.

Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke causes lung cancer and has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease in nonsmokers.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke causes about 3,000 lung cancer deaths annually among adult nonsmokers. Scientific studies have also estimated that Environmental Tobacco Smoke accounts for as many as 35,000 deaths from ischemic heart disease annually in the United States. More research is needed to know exactly how recent changes in Environmental Tobacco Smoke exposure may affect lung cancer rates among adult nonsmokers.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke causes serious respiratory problems in children, such as greater number and severity of asthma attacks and lower respiratory tract infections. Environmental Tobacco Smoke exposure increases the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and middle ear infections for children.

Cotinine is a major metabolite of nicotine. Exposure to nicotine can be measured by analyzing the cotinine levels in the blood, saliva, or urine. Since nicotine is highly specific for tobacco smoke, serum cotinine levels track exposure to tobacco smoke and its toxic constituents.

In 1991, data showed that nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population had measurable levels of serum cotinine in their blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals found more than a 75 percent decrease in median cotinine (metabolized nicotine) levels for nonsmokers in the United States since 1991.

Children and teenagers, 3-19 years old, had higher levels of cotinine than did adults, 20 years old and above. Involuntary exposure to ETS remains a common, serious public health hazard that is entirely preventable by adopting and enforcing appropriate regulatory policies.


Smoke-free environments are the most effective method for reducing Environmental Tobacco Smoke exposure. Healthy People 2010 objectives address this issue and seek optimal protection of nonsmokers through policies, regulations, and laws requiring smoke-free environments in all schools, work sites, and public places.

Only California meets the nation's Healthy People 2010 objective to eliminate exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke by either banning indoor smoking or limiting it to separately ventilated areas. Because of a comprehensive statewide tobacco control program, virtually all indoor workplaces in California are now smoke free, including restaurants, bars, and gaming clubs.

The dramatic declines in serum cotinine levels among nonsmokers are a good indication that efforts to ensure clean indoor air through smoking restrictions in workplaces, restaurants and other public places are working. However, there are still too many people, especially young people, who continue to be exposed to Environmental Tobacco Smoke.

Second hand smoke in your home

We spend more time in our homes than anywhere else. So the thought of cancer-causing chemicals circulating throughout our houses and apartments can be quite unsettling. Yet, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, that is exactly what happens when someone lights a cigarette in your home.

Those most affected by secondhand smoke are children. Because their bodies are still developing, exposure to the poisons in secondhand smoke puts children in danger of severe respiratory diseases and can hinder the growth of their lungs. On top of that, the effects can last a lifetime.

Ventilation systems in homes cannot filter and circulate air well enough to eliminate secondhand smoke. Blowing smoke away from children, going into another room to smoke, or opening a window may help reduce children's exposure but will not protect them from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Benefits of a Smoke-Free Home

  • The greatest benefit, of course, is that you will remove all the health risks associated with secondhand tobacco smoke.
  • When your home is smoke-free, it will smell much better.
  • Your food will taste better.
  • You'll spend less time, energy, and money cleaning your curtains, walls, windows, and mirrors.
  • Your insurance rates may be lower-check with your insurance company.

Even your pets will be happier. For example, secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in dogs

How to Make (and Keep) Your Home Smoke-Free

  • It may feel awkward at first to tell people not to smoke in your home-no one wants to make guests uncomfortable-but if you simply explain the facts about secondhand smoke, they should understand completely. Tell them that for the sake of your family's health, you simply cannot allow smoking in your home. Have gum or mints available as an alternative to lighting up. If visitors absolutely must smoke, tell them they can do so outside.
  • If someone in your household smokes, be sympathetic and understanding-but encourage him or her to quit. Let that person know that cigarette smoke affects everyone, not just the smoker. Let them know you care and you want to help. Again, if someone absolutely must smoke, ask that person to do so outside.


Don't Forget Schools and Day Care

  • Make sure your child's school and day care programs are smoke-free. And insist that baby-sitters not smoke around your children.

 
© 2004 • Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health