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Published in: International Journal of Public Health 6/2012

01-12-2012 | Original Article

How home-smoking habits affect children: a cross-sectional study using urinary cotinine measurement in Italy

Authors: Carmela Protano, Roberta Andreoli, Paola Manini, Matteo Vitali

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 6/2012

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Abstract

Objectives

To assess the impact of different home-smoking rules and smoking habits of cohabitant on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure of children.

Methods

Information about 396 Italian children (5–11 years old) and cohabitants’ smoking habits was collected by a questionnaire. Exposure assessment was performed by determination of urinary cotinine (u-cotinine).

Results

Median u-cotinine concentrations in children significantly increased in a similar fashion as theoretical ETS exposure increase: cohabitants do not smoke (1.79 μg/g creatinine), cohabitant(s) smoker(s) never smoke at home (2.84), smoke at home only when children are out (3.90), and smoke at home even if children are in (6.02). Median u-cotinine levels of exposed children were associated to the strength of cohabitant’s smoking behaviours when smoker(s) consume daily a high number of cigarettes (≥ 20) respect to light consumption (1–9) (4.52 and 3.24 μg/g creatinine).

Conclusions

The magnitude of ETS exposure in children is correlated with smoking habits and home-smoking precautions adopted by their cohabitants. Educational interventions on parents are essential to increase their awareness about ETS exposure and to teach correct behaviours to protect health of kids, especially in household environment.
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Metadata
Title
How home-smoking habits affect children: a cross-sectional study using urinary cotinine measurement in Italy
Authors
Carmela Protano
Roberta Andreoli
Paola Manini
Matteo Vitali
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in
International Journal of Public Health / Issue 6/2012
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0354-0

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