Recent Contributions of Air- and Biomarkers to the Control of Secondhand Smoke (SHS): A Review

Abstract

Since the publication of the US Surgeon General Reports in 1996 and 2006 and the report of the California Environmental Protection Agency in 1999, many reports have appeared on the contribution of air and biomarkers to different facets of the secondhand smoke (SHS) issue, which are the targets of this review. These recent studies have allowed earlier epidemiological surveys to be biologically validated, and their plausibility demonstrated, quantified the levels of exposure to SHS before the bans in various environments, showed the deficiencies of mechanical control methods and of partial bans and the frequently correct implementation of the efficient total bans. More stringent regulation remains necessary in the public domain (workplaces, hospitality venues, transport sector, etc.) in many countries. Personal voluntary protection efforts against SHS are also needed in the private domain (homes, private cars). The effects of SHS on the cardiovascular, respiratory and neuropsychic systems, on pregnancy and fertility, on cancers and on SHS genotoxicity are confirmed through experimental human studies and through the relationship between markers and prevalence of disease or of markers of disease risk.

Associations between lifetime tobacco exposure with infertility and age at natural menopause: the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study

“…The suggestive dose–response relationship between heavier smoking and infertility found in our analysis are similar to measures of association found in another large prospective cohort study 3. Associations between SHS and infertility have been studied since the 1980's with mixed results, perhaps due to small sample sizes and/or methodological limitations 7 16 18–24 43. Using data from a large prospective cohort, our study adds to the evidence base by demonstrating significant associations between the highest SHS exposure during reproductive life and delayed conception.…”

Reducing Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure of Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Class-Based Health Education and Smoking Cessation Counseling for Caregivers

“…Smoking cessation by parents and other caregivers is the best way to protect children from ETS exposure at home [ 36 ]. The self-reported 7-day quit rate in the intervention group in our study was higher than the reported quit rates in a randomized controlled trial (Hong Kong) [ 37 ], but lower than Krieger et al .’s study also in the US [ 38 ].…”

REFRESH—reducing families' exposure to secondhand smoke in the home: a feasibility study

“…The private domain is now the main location of exposure to SHS for children,42 but reducing exposure in this domain is more difficult to influence. Previous work in the USA has shown that feedback of information on airborne nicotine levels may be useful in changing smoking behaviour of parents who smoke,27 while a recent study has looked at the use of air-filtration systems to reduce children's exposure at home 43.…”