They found traces of nicotine in 70% of children of smokers

When mention is made of damage caused by second-hand smoke among so-called “passive smokers”, Few adult tobacco users would like to know the results of this recent study. In an effort to educate children about their parents’ addictive behavior, researchers at the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University conducted a study of 140 Israeli families, with children up to 8 years of age with at least one parent who smokes.

Scientists have discovered that 70% of children whose parents smoke had nicotine residues in the hair samples, based on the results of peer-reviewed research published in Nicotine and tobacco research.

The average number of smokers per household was 15 cigarettes per day. And while a third of participants said they smoke indoors, a third said they only smoke on the porch.

The researchers assessed the level of exposure of children using a biomarker: nicotine in the hair, and they tested whether the nicotine became an integral part of the strand of hair that came from the body and not just an external precipitate. According to the study, the nicotine on the inner hair shaft means that it has been absorbed by the child and entered the bloodstream. The external residue was washed before analysis.

The researchers divided the families into two groups. One was given full instructions on the effects and dangers of exposure to smoke, including commentary and information on test results, and was also given tools to protect their children from exposure to cigarette smoke and a recommendation to keep their homes and cars smoke-free. The second group did not receive feedback on nicotine levels in children’s hair until after six months, at the end of the study.

Six months after the start of the study, the researchers performed additional nicotine tests on the children’s hair, in which they found a statistically significant decrease in both groups.

Researchers believe that knowing that children were tested for nicotine exposure, and that additional testing was planned, parents changed their behavior and reduced their children’s exposure, whether or not they were trained. Meanwhile. .

“Much to our dismay, according to data from the Ministry of Health, about 60% of young children in Israel are exposed to second-hand smoke and its harmful effects. “said Professor Leah Rosen, who led the study.

He added: “According to the findings of the study, We believe that testing every young child in Israel for nicotine, on hair, urine, or using other testing methods, may change parents’ perception of their children’s exposure to tobacco smoke.”.

“Changing this perception can also lead to a change in behavior, levels of exposure and even social norms regarding passive exposure to smoking, both child exposure and adult exposure,” he said. he added.

Rosen explained that Exposure to tobacco smoke is dangerous, especially for children who suffer from short-term damage (such as increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome, bronchitis, ear infections) and long-term damage. term (pulmonary delay). development, long-term damage to the cardiovascular system), Public Jerusalem post.

And he pointed out that most Israelis do not fully understand the harms of active smoking or secondhand smoke. And often they are not even aware that the exhibition is taking place.

“It is essential that you protect your children from tobacco smoke,” Rosen said. You should never smoke inside the house, even on windows or on porches. In addition to immediate exposure, toxins from tobacco smoke are absorbed into walls, carpets, and upholstery and released slowly over time.”.

And after thanking the families who participated in the study, the expert asked smokers to “avoid smoking in any place where non-smokers may be exposed, in particular, populations at risk, especially children, pregnant women, the elderly and the sick”.

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