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
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Cincinnati a top destination for street art, museums
February 27, 2026
Discover why Cincinnati is a top destination for street art and museums, ranked among USA Today’s 10Best for 2026. Explore how University of Cincinnati research shows public art boosts community vitality, and find the best things to do near UC’s campus for students and visitors alike.
Intrapreneurship: Strategies to promote internal innovation
February 27, 2026
Intrapreneurship encourages employees at large companies to innovate and test ideas with an entrepreneur’s level of freedom. Learn how to become an intrapreneur in your organization.
'Paradigm-shifting' study confirms effectiveness of long-acting HIV treatment
February 26, 2026
The results of a clinical trial involving the University of Cincinnati, recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine, show people failing HIV treatments with oral medications were able to be treated successfully using injections.