Efectos de la exposición al humo de tabaco ambiental en no fumadores

Abstract

National and international environmental tobacco smoke studies were reviewed regarding its effects on passive smokers' health. Environmental tobacco smoke is composed by more than 4,000 known substances, which are different if they are in the mainstream or sidestream. Studies with biomarkers like cotinine have concluded that exposed nonsmokers have an increased cardiovascular morbi-mortality. Passive smokers also have an increased risk of lung, nasal sinus and breast cancer. Children have more acute and chronic respiratory symptoms, low respiratory infections, otitis and sudden infant death syndrome. Environmental tobacco smoke induces asthma and causes exacerbations in both children and adults. In reproductive health, it decreases the age of menopause and produces menstrual disorders. Newborn infants of passive smoking mothers have a higher probability of low birth weight and to be small for gestational age. This international scientific evidence should lead countries to take measures in order to protect nonsmokers' health