Thirdhand Smoke in the Homes of Medically Fragile Children: Assessing the Impact of Indoor Smoking Levels and Smoking Bans.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Thirdhand smoke (THS) residue results from secondhand smoke, and is emerging as a distinct public health hazard, particularly for medically fragile pediatric patients living with smokers. THS is difficult to remove and readily reacts with other pollutants to form carcinogens and ultrafine particles. This study investigated THS found in homes of high-risk infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit and their association with characteristics (eg, number of household smokers) hypothesized to influence THS.

Methods

Baseline data from 141 hospitalized infants' homes were analyzed, along with follow-up data (n = 22) to explore household smoking characteristics and THS changes in response to indoor smoking ban policies.

Results

Households with an indoor b

SUBMITTER: Northrup TF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5896819 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature