Parents warned that second-hand smoke may trigger nicotine dependence symptoms in children

Canadian researchers are warning parents who smoke around their children that second-hand smoke may trigger nicotine dependence symptoms in their offspring.

A joint study from nine Canadian institutions has found that increased exposure to second-hand smoke, both in cars and homes, was associated with an increased likelihood of children reporting nicotine dependence symptoms, even though these children had never smoked.

Senior author Dr. Jennifer O'Loughlin, a professor at the Université de Montréal's Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, says the findings support the need for public health interventions that promote non-smoking in the presence of children, and uphold policies to restrict smoking in vehicles when children are present.

For the study Dr. O'Loughlin, collaborated with researchers from the other Canadian universities who between them recruited 1,800 children aged 10 to 12 years old from 29 Quebec schools.

As part of AdoQuest, a cohort investigation that measures tobacco use and other health-compromising behaviours, the children from all socioeconomic levels, were asked to complete questionnaires on their health and behaviours and were also asked questions about symptoms of nicotine dependence and exposure to second-hand smoke.

Mathieu Bélanger, the study's lead author says according to conventional understanding, a person who does not smoke cannot experience nicotine dependence but the study found that 5% of children who had never smoked a cigarette, but who were exposed to secondhand smoke in cars or their homes, reported symptoms of nicotine dependence.

Dr. O'Loughlin says their investigation supports previous findings that exposure to second-hand smoke among non-smokers may cause symptoms that seem to reflect several nicotine withdrawal symptoms including depression, trouble sleeping, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, trouble concentrating and increased appetite.

The findings are published in the September edition of the journal Addictive Behaviors.