Environmental Tobacco Smoke Margaret Ndetti Cary Oglesby October 12, 2007 EVE 486 Dr. Andre Butler

Overview What is Environmental Tobacco Smoke Effects of ETS on people Case Study Preventive Steps and Treatment Conclusion Questions

Environmental Tobacco Smoke The smoke released from the burning end of a cigarette and smoke exhaled by the smoker Also known as secondhand smoke

Environmental Tobacco Smoke Emissions –Fine Airborne Particles – 210 Po: a naturally occurring radionuclide –Over 2000 compounds that are known carcinogens and/or irritants Formaldehyde, benzene, vinyl chloride, arsenic, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide

Environmental Tobacco Smoke Considered more of an indoor problem than outdoor ETS has more of an impact on health than what was previously thought Even brief exposure can cause immediate adverse effects Half of nonsmoking Americans are still regularly exposed to secondhand smoke No risk-free level of secondhand smoke

Effects on Fetuses Low birth weight –Causes weakness –Increases risk for many health problems Mental Development Impaired –Intelligence –Speech and Language Skills Weaker lungs

Effects on Children Increased risk of cancer Increased risk of heart disease Causes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) Asthma attacks in infants and children Increased risk for ear infections –More likely to need an operation to insert ear tubes for drainage

Effects on Adults Increased risk of cancer Increased risk of heart disease Causes respiratory problems Causes ear infections

CCCEH Cohort Study Latino and African-American pregnant mothers who had self-diagnosed exposure Found developmental delays in 32.3% of the sample This number is comparative to the number of children with developmental delays from low income families, 49%.

Ways to Reduce ETS Home smoking restrictions Counseling by health professionals Increased tax on tobacco products Government subsidizing of quitting programs Eliminate public smoking indoors

Cost of Fixing the Problem In New York City based on CCCEH study the cost of treating infants: –$51 million for Medicaid patients –$99 million for all New Yorkers Government quitting programs –$ per smoker

Conclusion The Surgeon General concludes that the only way to fully protect yourself from the dangers of secondhand smoke is through 100% smoke-free environments Certain manufacturers in the tobacco industry admit to a link between cigarette use and cancer

Questions

References Miller, T., et al. (2006). The Economic Impact of Early Life Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure: Early Intervention for Developmental Delay. Children's Health. 114, Moeller, D. W. (2005). Environmental Health. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. The Department of Health and Human Services. (2006). The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General.