LESSON 3.10

Children’s Health in the U.S. – Part 1

Environmental Tobacco Exposure

  • In 2011-2012, 40% of children ages 4-11 years had detectable cotinine levels compared to 85% of children during 1988-1994.
  • Cotinine levels –> a marker of recent exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Secondhand smoke in children is associated with:
    • Increased rates of dental caries, respiratory infections, otitis media, asthma

Source: FIFCFS, 2015; Hwang et al., 2012; Mattheus et al., 2016

Tobacco exposure (through secondhand smoke exposure) continues to be a leading cause of chronic conditions such as asthma, and infant mortality due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. These are preventable chronic conditions and deaths.