Posted April 15, 2009
More than half of New York City non-smokers have been exposed to second-hand smoke at levels high enough to leave residues in the body, researchers said.
A New York City health department study, published online in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research, showed that 57 percent of adult non-smoking New Yorkers have elevated cotinine levels — a by-product of nicotine breakdown — compared to 45 percent of non-smoking adults nationwide, a finding that may reflect the city’s dense, urban character.
The data, from the New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, was conducted in 2004 — one year after New York City’s smoke-free air law took effect.
Although the law protects non-smokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke at work and in some public places, this study shows that many non-smokers are not fully protected, the study said. People are still exposed to smoke in homes, on sidewalks and building entrances, officials said.
“Tobacco smoke is a toxic pollutant,” Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City health commissioner said in a statement. “Most New York City non-smokers are breathing in dangerous chemicals in second-hand smoke, potentially increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease. Households with a smoker should set a ‘no smoking’ policy at home to protect the family.”
Date April 8, 2009 URL: www.upi.com
