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Household exposure to smoke still problematic for children with asthma
Fewer children and adolescents with asthma were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke in recent years, according to study results published online. However, too many children are still exposed to tobacco in the home.
Brian K. Kit, MD, MPH, medical officer in the CDC’s Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, and colleagues reviewed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data on 2,250 patients aged 4 to 19 years who had asthma. The researchers compared data on those who had asthma during three separate time periods: 1988-1994, 1999-2004 and 2005-2010.
Kit and colleagues said although there were reductions in the amount of children exposed to tobacco smoke: “among youth (aged 4-19 years) with asthma who did not use tobacco products, 53.2% were exposed to [environmental tobacco smoke] and 17.6% had in-home smoke exposure.”
The researchers said children living in low-income homes were more likely to be exposed to smoke. Although tobacco laws have reduced the number of areas where smoking is allowed, more work must be done.
Even in smoke-free communities, children are still exposed to tobacco in the home. This analysis indicates that more than one in six children with asthma were reported to live with an in-home smoker. This proportion is similar to the general pediatric population, despite the focused recommendations from national asthma guidelines for those with asthma to avoid environmental tobacco smoke, according to the researchers.
“Our study highlights the continued need to screen for tobacco smoke exposure among children with asthma, including both environmental sources and use of tobacco products,” Kit told Infectious Diseases in Children.
Brian K.Kit, MD, MPH, can be reached at 3311 Toledo Road, Room 4419, Hyattsville, MD 20782; email: igd0@cdc.gov.
Disclosure: Kit reports no relevant financial disclosures.
