Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke DeclinesMarch 23, 2001
Research Summary
A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke has declined considerably in the United States during the last decade, Reuters reported March 21.Second-hand tobacco smoke is a proven cancer-causing agent. But the CDC's national chemical-exposure report showed a 75-percent drop in levels of cotinine -- produced after nicotine enters the body -- in non-smokers, compared to tests taken in 1988 through 1991.
"The dramatic decline of serum cotinine levels in non-smokers is a very good indication that our nationwide efforts to ensure clean indoor air through smoking restrictions in workplaces, restaurants and other public places are working," said Terry Pechacek of the CDC's Office of Smoking and Health.
The report was based on a 1999 survey of about 3,800 people, the first time the CDC relied on blood and urine from humans, rather than air, water and soil samples, to test exposure to a wide-range of chemicals.
Although the CDC report found a drop in cotinine levels, federal health officials said second-hand smoke continues to be a serious health problem. More than half of young Americans are exposed to the carcinogen.
It is estimated that 45,000 to 60,000 non-smoking Americans die every year from the effects of second-hand smoke.
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