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Study: Smoking may contribute to suicide risk

A study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that cigarette smokers are more likely to commit suicide than non-smokers. Implementing higher taxes on cigarettes and stricter smoking policies led to a 15% decline in suicide rates relative to the national average.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 16, 2014

Peer pressure is weaker for kids to quit smoking

A study of adolescent friendship networks and smoking use over time found that friends exert influence on both starting and quitting smoking, but the influence to start is stronger. Nonsmoking friends are unlikely to provide resources needed to help their smoking peers quit, making peer pressure a significant barrier to cessation.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 11, 2014

Children exposed to secondhand tobacco or cooking smoke have very high rates of pain and complications after tonsillectomy

Research at Euroanaesthesia meeting found that children exposed to indoor coal-burning stoves and/or second-hand tobacco smoke experience higher postoperative complications and excessive pain after tonsillectomies. Elevated carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations were linked to increased pain sensitivity and more frequent use of painkillers.

Men who started smoking before age 11 had fatter sons

Research from the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol found that men who started smoking before age 11 had sons with significantly higher body fat content compared to those who started smoking later. This study suggests a potential transgenerational effect of tobacco exposure on metabolic changes in the next generation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 2, 2014