September 1, 2005 -- Effects of Childhood Exposure to Second-hand Smoke

A new study has found that early-life exposure to second-hand smoke can cause life-long respiratory problems. In a paper published online in the journal Thorax, researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in the National Institutes of Health, the University of Minnesota, and the National University of Singapore reported that individuals who had lived with smokers in childhood had more respiratory problems later in life, including chronic coughs. More than 45 percent of the 35,000 non-smoking study participants had fathers who smoked and 19 percent had mothers who smoked. “This research adds to a growing body of evidence that exposure to second-hand smoke early in life has health consequences that can last a lifetime,” said NIEHS Director Dr. David Schwartz. “In addition to finding ways to reduce the exposure of children to tobacco smoke and other environmental pollutants, we also need to look for ways to reduce the disease burden.” The study also found that a diet high in fruit and soy fiber seemed to protect adults against some of the negative health effects often associated with early tobacco exposure. A fuller account of the study is available at www.nih.gov/news/pr/aug2005/niehs-30.htm.