Passive smoking increases by 15% the risk of mortality of non-smokers

Passive smoking kills, say the authors of a study published in the journal "British Medical Journal" and is already available on the website of this review that tobacco smoke increases by 15% the risk of death from non- smokers who live with smokers, compared to those living in a completely non-smoking environment

Dr. Sarah Hill and colleagues at the Wellington School of Medicine conducted two cohort studies to assess mortality over three years depending on exposure to passive smoking home.

The two groups, one followed from 1981 to 1984 and the other from 1996 to 1999, consisted of adults aged 45 to 74 years who had never smoked. They have provided information on the possible smoking all household members aged over 15 years.

The researchers found that people who have never smoked, living with one or more smokers at the time of the survey were exposed to passive smoking. Those, however, did not share their homes with one or more smokers were reported unexposed.

Data analysis shows a significantly higher mortality overall 15% among non-smokers subjected to passive smoking compared to those who are not exposed.

These results reinforce the need to reduce exposure to smoke, the authors conclude, noting that their study was limited to passive smoking at home.

QUICK PROFIT OF SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES

The journal also publishes in its accelerated online a U.S. study showing the benefit of rapid myocardial infarction a ban on smoking in public places and professional publishing.

Dr. Richard Sargent and colleagues at the Hospital of the City of Helena (Montana) compared the incidence of admissions for myocardial infarction in Helena Hospital, a city of 28,300 people during the four years preceding a ban on smoking in workplaces, restaurants, bars and casinos, established in June 2002, and during the 6 month ban.

During the latter period, the researchers noted a 60% decrease in the number of heart attacks among residents of Helena and the people staying there. At the same time, there was no difference in the rest of the county.

These results were presented in April 2003 at the meeting of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in Chicago.