Trends in the Exposure of Nonsmokers in the U.S. Population to Secondhand Smoke: 1988–2002

2006

Trends in Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among U.S. Nonsmokers (1988–2002)

Sample size: 29849 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Pirkle James L., Bernert John T., Caudill Samuel P., Sosnoff Connie S., Pechacek Terry F.

Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hypothesis

The study aims to describe the exposure of nonsmokers in the U.S. population to secondhand smoke using serum cotinine concentrations measured over a period of 14 years.

Conclusion

There was a significant decline of approximately 70% in serum cotinine concentrations in nonsmokers in the U.S. from 1988 to 2002, indicating reduced exposure to secondhand smoke.

Supporting Evidence

Serum cotinine concentrations in nonsmokers decreased by about 70% from 1988 to 2002.
88% of nonsmokers had detectable cotinine levels in 1988–1991, which decreased to 43% by 2001–2002.
Children and non-Hispanic blacks showed higher serum cotinine levels compared to other groups.

Takeaway

Over 14 years, fewer nonsmokers in the U.S. were exposed to secondhand smoke, which is a good thing for their health.

Methodology

The study analyzed serum cotinine levels from participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) conducted over four distinct time periods.