Deutsche Welle: Vaping while pregnant: What we know
UC tobacco addiction expert weighs in on new research reported by global media
Ashley Merianos, PhD, an assistant professor of human services, is proving herself a sought-after expert for media commentary on the toxicity of tobacco and the effects of tobacco related behaviors such as smoking and vaping.
Merianos, a prolific tobacco researcher who is currently serving as a co-investigator on two U.S. National Institutes of Health research projects, was cited recently in the global news outlet Deutsche Welle, Germany’s state-owned news organization. Merianos commented on potential flaws in a study (not her research) that showed vaping nicotine in pregnancy is not associated with any adverse effects in mothers or their babies.
Ashley Merianos, PhD, tobacco researcher in the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Serivces. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
In the article, Merianos said the results needed to be interpreted with caution, "since the growing body of evidence points to inconclusive results about the role e-cigarettes play as a tobacco cessation aid for anyone, including pregnant women."
The article was reprinted in The Times of India.
Merianos current research focus is on third-hand smoke and is an affiliate member of the Thirdhand Smoke Research Consortium.
Third-hand smoke is either inhaling, ingesting or dermally absorbing the pollutants that are left behind in the environment after tobacco has been smoked. The pollutants can be found on walls, furniture and even decorations.
She recently led a study in collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s on the levels of third-hand smoke in 80 homes where children reside. That study, published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, found nicotine on surfaces in all of the children's homes and detected the presence of a tobacco-specific carcinogen (called NNK) in nearly half of the homes. The results of this study were covered by U.S. News and World Report and also covered locally.
Merianos is also an affiliate member of the Thirdhand Smoke Research Consortium.
Featured image at top of vape pen courtesy of UnSplash/vapeclubmy
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
Can ChatGPT help holiday shoppers?
December 5, 2025
Holiday shopping can be difficult. That’s why WLWT turned to Lindner College of Business professor Sachin Modi for insights on if large language models like ChatGPT can be helpful in finding more tailored gifts for loved ones.
Reesë Tuttle is going to change the world
December 5, 2025
Reesë Tuttle earned five college degrees before graduating high school, but the University of Cincinnati's School of Information Technology provided her the opportunity to have a traditional college experience — even if just for the year it took her to complete her second bachelor's degree. She shares why she decided to pursue a bachelor of science in information technology (BSIT) at UC, as well as how her new startup, a security training platform, was developed with the ultimate goal of saving lives.
Can new research improve the safety of AI therapy for teens?
December 5, 2025
The University of Cincinnati's Stephen Rush joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition for a discussion on the growing trend of young people turning to artificial intelligence for mental health support and therapy.