Smoking

Tobacco smoke exposure may increase heavy metal levels in children’s saliva

Secondhand tobacco smoke continues to be a major source of indoor air pollution that causes more than 41,000 nonsmoking adults to die every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The exposure is even more dire for children, who can be more affected…

Prenatal cigarette, cannabis exposure may have associations with childhood obesity

Childhood obesity rates continue to rise in the United States, putting kids at risk for asthma, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and other health conditions. Children prenatally exposed to both tobacco and cannabis had a 12 times higher risk for obesity by middle childhood (9–12 years of age) compared…

Reduced-nicotine cigarettes result in less smoking in anxious, depressed smokers

Lowering the amount of nicotine in cigarettes to non-addictive levels may reduce smoking without worsening mental health in smokers with mood or anxiety disorders, according to Penn State College of Medicine and Harvard Medical School researchers. They said reducing nicotine content in cigarettes…

Flavored tobacco sales restrict availability, advertising

Flavored tobacco products play a large role in leading youth into addiction, and it is estimated that three out of four youth smokers will continue to smoke well into adulthood. A Penn State researcher is analyzing flavored tobacco sales restrictions and how they affect the availability of tobacco…

How understanding neighborhoods can help reduce tobacco use

A Penn State researcher testing a new way to assess tobacco use with a neighborhood mapping platform and in-person interviews has found that community engagement is key to addressing risky health behaviors.  Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United…

Smoking may impair body's blood pressure autocorrect system

Smokers may be at a higher risk for developing hypertension, and an overactive response to normal drops in blood pressure may help explain why, according to researchers. "The human body has a buffering system that continuously monitors and maintains a healthy blood pressure," said Dr. Lawrence…

First annual conference to address substance misuse held at Penn State

Pennsylvania is in the midst of a full-fledged, substance misuse epidemic, with one out of every four families encountering this issue. Penn State is combating the crisis by drawing upon the expertise of researchers, educators, practitioners and policymakers, who gathered recently for the…