MMWR - Vital Signs: Nonsmokers' Exposure to Secondhand Smoke --- United States, 1999--2008..

September 7, 2010 - Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) - September 7, 2010 / 59(Early Release);7-12

Secondhand exposure to tobacco smoke causes heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults and sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, exacerbated asthma, respiratory symptoms, and decreased lung function in children.

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 1999--2008 were analyzed to determine the proportion of the nonsmoking population with serum cotinine (the primary nicotine metabolite) levels ≥0.05 ng/mL, by age, sex, race/ethnicity, household income level, and to determine whether the household included a person who smoked inside the home.

Secondhand smoke exposure has declined in the United States, but 88 million nonsmokers aged ≥3 years are still exposed, progress in reducing exposure has slowed, and disparities in exposure persist, with children being among the most exposed. Nearly all nonsmokers who live with someone who smokes inside their home are exposed to secondhand smoke.

Read Report: Vital Signs: Nonsmokers' Exposure to Secondhand Smoke --- United States, 1999--2008..