Preliminary evidence that high levels of nicotine on children’s hands may contribute to overall tobacco smoke exposure

Abstract

Background Dust and surfaces are important sources of lead and pesticide exposure in young children. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate if third-hand smoke (THS) pollutants accumulate on the hands of children who live in environments where tobacco is used and if hand nicotine levels are associated with second-hand smoke (SHS), as measured by salivary cotinine. Methods Participants were parents and children (n=25; age mean (SD)=5.4 (5.3) years) presenting to the emergency department with a potentially SHS-related illness. A convenience sample of participants were recruited at baseline from an ongoing two-group, randomised controlled trial of a SHS reduction and tobacco cessation intervention. Parents were current smokers; thus, all children were at risk of SHS and THS exposure to varying extents. Primary outcome measures, which were assessed in child participants only, were hand nicotine and salivary cotinine. Parents reported sociodemographics and smoking patterns; children’s medical records were abstracted for chief complaint, medical history and discharge diagnosis. Results All children had detectable hand nicotine (range=18.3–690.9 ng/wipe). All but one had detectable cotinine (range=1.2–28.8 ng/mL). Multiple linear regression results showed a significant positive association between hand nicotine and cotinine (p=0.009; semipartial r2=0.24), independent of child age. Discussion The higher-than-expected nicotine levels and significant association with cotinine indicate that THS may play a role in the overall exposure of young children to tobacco smoke toxicants and that hand wipes could be a useful marker of overall tobacco smoke pollution and a proxy for exposure.

Environmental exposures and mechanisms in allergy and asthma development

“…of tobacco smoke has been extinguished) can accumulate on surfaces, becoming progressively more toxic, and can contribute to overall tobacco smoke exposure (166)(167)(168). New research demonstrated that components of THS can exacerbate a mouse asthma model through mast cells, resulting in airway inflammation and remodeling (168).…”

Adolescent Tobacco Smoke Exposure, Respiratory Symptoms, and Emergency Department Use

“…It should be noted that adolescents who live with smokers who do not smoke inside the home are still potentially exposed to tobacco smoke and its related toxicants. 26 Despite an overall recent decline in TSE, 2 we highlight the need for continued TSE reduction initiatives, especially for adolescents, nationwide.…”

Evaluation of hair cotinine and toxic metal levels in children who were exposed to tobacco smoke

“…THS consists of nicotine‐containing residues or old tobacco smoke particles. It adheres to surfaces of the home and the clothing of caregivers after the consumption of tobacco and is absorbed by ingestion, skin, or inhalation by children 4 …”

“…It adheres to surfaces of the home and the clothing of caregivers after the consumption of tobacco and is absorbed by ingestion, skin, or inhalation by children. 4 The home is the greatest single source of ETS for children, who are most susceptible population to the harmful effects of ETS. 5 Questionnaires have been the methods commonly used to assess ETS exposure.…”