The Impacts of Second Hand Smoke to Lung Function in Children: A Proposed Study

Abstract: A 21 page overview of the impacts of second hand smoke in pulmonary function. Contends that secondary smoke can be linked to such a diversity of pulmonary conditions as lung cancer, asthma, and respiratory infection from a variety of viruses and bacteria. Suggests that children in particular are susceptible to this impact. Suggests an experimental design to better quantify those problems utilizing a sample base of patients already hospitalized in pediatric wards for both pulmonary and non-pulmonary complaints. Provides sample surveys designed to be administered to children age eleven to fifteen and their parents to identify the degree of environmental smoke in the home. Relies on the utilization of salivary testing for cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, to further quantify the degree of smoking which an individual is exposed to in the home. Suggests that coupling this information with pulmonary function testing which has already occurred in the clinical situation would provide a ready, cost-effective, means of quantifying the impact of secondary smoke on pulmonary function.

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Catagory:

Subcatagory: Environmental Issues & Ecology

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