Health
Carcinogens found in nonsmokers who hang around smokers
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Jan. 19, 2004
Cancer-causing chemicals specific to tobacco have been measured in nonsmokers spending time with smokers, according to a study published in the journal, Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, last month.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, took urine samples from nonsmokers before and after a four-hour visit to a casino where smoking was allowed. After the visit, the levels of NNK, which increases the risk of lung cancer, were twice as high.
Authors said that while this was an indicator that it might not be healthy for nonsmokers to hang out in smoky environments, it did not conclusively prove any ill-health effects.
"Environmental tobacco smoke in restaurants, bars and casinos presents a potential health hazard to employees and nonsmoking patrons," said Kristin Anderson, PhD, lead author and associate professor at the university's School of Public Health. "However, further studies are needed to examine the long-term health effects on employees and patrons."
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/01/19/hlbf0119.htm.
