Tobacco induced diseases
The effect of childhood exposure to secondhand smoke on urinary cotinine and 8 hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels: A cross-sectional study
By Fırat AA, Keskinel İ, Eryılmaz M and 2 others.
Abstract
Introduction
The health consequences of exposure to tobacco smoke during childhood can be more severe than those associated with exposure in adulthood. Exposure to secondhand smoke is also a significant issue for children, who constitute a vulnerable group. While urinary cotinine measurements serve as metabolic indicators of nicotine exposure, measurements of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) reflect DNA damage. This study evaluates the results of urine analysis obtained from healthy children, classified according to household smoking status.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, urinary cotinine and 8-OHdG levels of a total of 97 children living in smoke-free homes, where only one adult smoked, and more than one adult used tobacco, were analyzed as a ratio to creatinine using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Families of children visiting the pediatric outpatient clinic for routine examinations were categorized based on their smoking habits. Additionally, a questionnaire using the Beliefs About Third-Hand Smoke (BATHS) scale was administered to these parents to evaluate their attitudes and beliefs regarding smoking.