U.S. News & World Report: Smoking residue on household surfaces can harm kids
Tobacco researcher Ashley Merianos leads study of thirdhand smoke in homes where children reside
A new study by UC tobacco researcher Ashley Merianos was featured in U.S. News & World Report.
The study measured the amount of nicotine and tobacco related toxins on surfaces in smoking households where children reside. The residue that remains on surfaces such as walls, tables, floors and decor is called thirdhand smoke.
Ashley Merianos is an associate professor in UC's school of Human Services
Merianos led a research team that tested homes of 84 children found nicotine on surfaces in every home, and nearly half had detectable levels of a tobacco-specific carcinogen called NNK. Residue was also found in households with indoor smoking bans.
"This is critically important and concerning," said Merianos, an associate professor in the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services.
Merianos is a research affiliate member of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the Thirdhand Smoke Research Consortium and the American Academy of Pediatrics Tobacco Consortium.
Featured image at top of cigarette and ashtray. Photo/iStock/Kotlyarchuk
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