Thirdhand smoke contamination in hospital settings: assessing exposure risk for vulnerable paediatric patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tobacco has regained the status of the world's number two killer behind heart/vascular disease. Thirdhand smoke (THS) residue and particles from secondhand smoke (SHS) are suspected health hazards (eg, DNA damage) that are likely to contribute to morbidity and mortality, especially in vulnerable children. THS is easily transported and deposited indoors, where it persists and exposes individuals for months, creating potential health consequences in seemingly nicotine-free environments, particularly for vulnerable patients. We collected THS data to estimate infant exposure in the neonatal ICU (NICU) after visits from household smokers. Infant exposure to nicotine, potentially from THS, was assessed via assays of infant urine.

Methods

Participants were mothers

SUBMITTER: Northrup TF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4893002 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature