Passive smoke may damage children's hearts

New study boosts demand for parent campaign 

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Even limited exposure to passive smoke increases the risk of heart disease in children, according to a new study just presented to an international heart conference in the US.

The study of oxidation injury in Austrian children aged 3-15 found that where they had one parent who smoked up to 20 cigarettes a day in their presence, they recorded up to 50% higher readings of a biological compound known to cause vascular damage. Where both parents smoked, these levels rose to 130%. 

Smoking mothers had a greater effect than smoking fathers, presumed by the authors to be because of mothers’ more frequent child-caring role. 

The study, led by Dr Helmut Sinzinger at the University of Vienna, was presented this week to the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions.*  The findings add to increasing evidence that passive smoke breaks down the defences of antioxidants, which can neutralise oxygen free radicals. These highly dangerous chemicals, produced by diseases or the effects of smoking or other poisons, damage cells in the walls of blood-carrying arteries.

Comments Maurice Swanson, Chief Executive of the National Heart Foundation of Australia’s WA division and Executive Officer of the Foundation’s national Tobacco Control Committee:

“These findings indicate that even after a very small exposure to ETS, potential damage to the vascular system is likely.

“It’s urgent that we have better funded education campaigns for parents about the need to eliminate even small exposure of children to second-hand smoke – in homes, cars, indoor and crowded public places.”

Detailed summary  at  www.sessionsonline.org/summary.asp?dd=Monday%2C+November+18%2C+2002&styId=11&ld=2002-11-18

This is a joint release by ASH Australia and the National Heart Foundation of Australia

Comment:   
Maurice Swanson, National Heart Foundation of Australia                                                               ph. 0414-922-902
Anne Jones, ASH Australia             ph. 0417-227-879

Media inquiries:       Stafford Sanders, ASH      ph. (02) 9334-1823  
                                                        or  staffords@ashaust.org.au

Page last updated on 21/11/2002