New Device to Detect and Prevent Secondhand Smoke Exposure

Researchers have developed a new device to detect secondhand and third-hand smoke, which may prove effective in reducing health risks to exposed children.

The tobacco sensor, with the help of polymer films and sensor chips, measures and records the level of nicotine in the air. 

"We have developed the first ever tobacco smoke sensor that is sufficiently sensitive to measure secondhand smoke and record its presence in real time," Professor of Chemistry, Joseph BelBruno, whose Dartmouth lab conducted the research, said in a news release. "This is a leap forward in secondhand smoke exposure detection technology and can be considered the first step in reducing the risk of health effects."

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology -Head and Neck Surgery, nearly 26 percent of American adults are smokers and between 50 and 67 percent of children below five years live with at least one smoker.

The smoke produced from cigarettes can stay in the air more than two hours. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 toxic chemicals and breathing smoke -filled air brings in many health concerns and leads to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, meningitis, cough, cold and middle ear diseases and even cancer.

Apart from that, previous studies have shown the high risks involved with exposure to secondhand smoke or environmental smoke during pregnancy.  A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found children, who were exposed to nicotine while in mothers' womb, displaying attention problems plus aggressive nature and failing to perform well on tests related to language, speech and intelligence.

Third-hand smoke is the nicotine that remains on clothing, furniture, car seats or other surfaces, even after the air gets fully cleared. According to health experts, exposure to third-hand smoke is equally risky as secondhand smoke.

The Dartmouth researchers, who developed the tobacco sensor, expect to prevent the severe health outcomes of secondhand and third-hand smoke on the young generation.

"The intent of the project isn't to make them stop smoking, but it is to make them stop exposing their children to smoke. On the other hand, if they are worried about their children, demonstrating these exposures may be an incentive for them to stop," BelBruno said.

Findings of the study have been reported in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research.