SMOKING AT HOME - THE IMPACT OF SMOKING CESSATION ON NONSMOKERS EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO-SMOKE

Nonsmokers who live with smokers are at increased risk for chronic dis ease. This study evaluated the impact of eliminating smoking in the ho me on nonsmokers' environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. Nonsmoke rs participated in measurements of their ETS exposure before and after the smoker in their home quit smoking. A matched comparison group of nonsmokers from nonsmoking homes was also included. ETS exposure was a ssessed using passive nicotine monitors, an exposure diary, and a ques tionnaire. Nonsmokers from smoking homes had significantly higher expo sure to ETS than those from nonsmoking homes. There was a 60% reductio n in nicotine levels following smoking cessation by the household smok er. However, there were still detectable levels of nicotine measured a t posttest. These results have important implications for individual r isk reduction and public health policy.