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“
A
new study has found adolescents exposed to passive smoke are four
times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome* – a predictor of
diabetes and coronary artery disease. This link could have a serious
impact on public health if young Australians are not protected from
secondhand smoke, warn key health groups. Based
on these alarming findings from a survey of 2273 adolescents aged 12
to 19 years, the researchers concluded that as tobacco and obesity are
the two leading causes of preventable death in the United States this
dangerous link “may have profound implications for the future health
of the public”. This
study published in Circulation1
provides additional support for a push to protect Australian children
from other people’s smoke, according to key health groups including
the National Heart Foundation of Australia and Action on Smoking and
Health (ASH) Australia - which have called for Federal, state and
local governments to tighten controls over children’s exposure to
secondhand smoke. Maurice
Swanson, Heart Foundation Tobacco Issues Committee Chair said: “This
study shows we have not gone nearly far enough in protecting children
from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Coronary artery disease
and diabetes II are major health problems and every effort should be
made to reduce the risk of their development in our young people.” Anne
Jones, ASH Australia Chief Executive said: “All governments need to
continue moves to reduce the exposure of children to secondhand smoke
in homes and cars as well as strengthen smoke bans in playgrounds,
parks and sports venues. In addition to tightening and speeding up
total smoke bans in licensed venues, governments should also consider
banning children from all areas of pubs and clubs until the bans have
been made comprehensive.” * Metabolic syndrome
predicts future coronary artery disease and type II diabetes and often
appears in childhood. Metabolic syndrome is a medical condition
defined by the grouping of cardiovascular risk factors which include
abdominal obesity, abnormal blood cholesterol levels, hyperglycemia
and hypertension.
This is a joint release from ASH Australia and the National Heart Foundation of Australia
Comment: Anne
Jones, Chief
Executive, Action
on Smoking and Health (ASH) Australia Media inquiries: Stafford Sanders ph. (02) 9334-1823; (m) 0412-070-194
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Page last updated 11/8/05 |
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