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“
Pregnant women exposed to
secondhand smoke are more likely to have babies with lower
birthweights and birth anomalies, says a new international research
review*. The review of 76 studies, with
data from over 130,000 women, confirms women exposed to tobacco smoke
"have increased risks of infants with lower birth weight,
congenital anomalies, longer lengths, and trends towards smaller head
circumferences…” Australian
health groups, child protection/welfare, church, social equity and
other bodies in the Protecting Children from Tobacco coalition have
called for urgent action by governments to end exemptions that allow
smoking in workplaces. Says
Anne Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Action on Smoking and Health
(ASH) Australia: “This
new study shows babies are not just at risk if their mother smokes,
but also if she’s exposed to the smoke of others at work, home or
public places. “Pregnant
women are most at risk in licensed and entertainment venues, such as
pubs, clubs and casinos and any other workplaces where legal
requirements for safe, smokefree workplaces are ignored. “Some
governments, including NSW, are still granting exemptions that allow
staff and patrons including pregnant women to be exposed to tobacco
smoke on a regular basis. “Other
high risk public places include crowded outdoor dining and drinking
areas, building entrances and transport waiting areas. “The
other concern remains smoking at home, although there is a trend
towards homes becoming smokefree to protect family members.” Health
and child protection groups are calling for an end to smokefree law
exemptions, based on overwhelming evidence that tobacco smoke is
harmful to human health. *
review abstract at http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/00016340903505748 Comment:
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Page last updated 12/2/10 |
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