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Children exposed to chemical in cigarettes
According to a study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention (Vol. 10, No. 11: 1109-1116), children in grade school are breathing high levels of cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke. This may increase their chances of developing lung cancer later in life.
Researchers Use Clues in Urine Samples
Stephen S. Hecht, PhD, and researchers at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center and the School of Public Health looked at urine samples from children in the second to fifth grades for evidence of tobacco exposure.
In particular, they looked for a chemical called NNK. This substance causes cancer in laboratory animals. According to the authors, it might cause lung cancer in smokers.
Hecht’s study looked at children who are part of a larger program looking at the health of children in lower-income Minneapolis neighborhoods. In particular, that study looks at how the children’s environment affects their health.
Researchers found one-third of the children’s urine samples showed evidence of exposure to tobacco smoke at home.
But, almost all of the children’s samples contained NNK, the cancer-causing chemical.
Parents Do Not Admit to Smoking
Even more alarming was that while three quarters of the children tested positive for NNK, their parents had indicated there was no home exposure to tobacco smoke.
In short, the researchers said it is never too early to be concerned about the effects of tobacco and secondhand smoke.
About the author:
http://www.cancer.org
More health information - More smoking information
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