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Regional nuclear war could devastate global climate

A small-scale regional nuclear war could produce as many direct fatalities as all of World War II and disrupt the global climate for a decade or more. The environmental effects would be catastrophic and long-term, affecting regions far from the target areas or countries involved in the conflict.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions·DateDec 11, 2006

Teens who smoke have increased risk of developing asthma

Children who smoke cigarettes have nearly four times the risk of developing asthma in their teens, and those exposed to cigarette smoke in utero face an even higher risk. The study draws on data from the Children's Health Study, a longitudinal study of respiratory health among children in southern California communities.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 15, 2006

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke causes respiratory symptoms in healthy adults

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was strongly associated with the development of respiratory symptoms, including cough, wheeze, and dyspnea, in healthy never-smokers. The study found a particular risk among individuals with bronchial hyper-reactivity who were persistently exposed to ETS.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 15, 2006

Cigarette smoking impedes tendon-to-bone healing

Researchers found that nicotine delays tendon-to-bone healing, reducing cellular proliferation and collagen production. This can lead to weaker tissue and increased vulnerability to re-injury after surgery. The study used a rat shoulder model to investigate the effects of cigarette smoking on rotator cuff repair.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateOct 18, 2006

Teens half as likely to smoke if they are wise to subliminal messages in cigarette ads

A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study suggests that teens with higher media literacy scores are nearly half as likely to smoke. The results provide quantitative evidence linking media literacy to smoking and hold promise for schools and community organizations seeking to implement effective tobacco control programs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 9, 2006

All forms of tobacco exposure are bad for the heart

A recent study published in The Lancet found that all forms of tobacco exposure, including smoking, chewing, and second-hand smoke, increase the risk of heart attack. The study, which included data from over 27,000 people in 52 countries, showed that even low levels of tobacco exposure can double the risk of a heart attack.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 17, 2006

How secondhand smoke injures babies' lungs

Researchers found that environmental tobacco smoke suppresses nuclear factor kappa B signaling, increasing apoptosis in infant monkey lungs. This study highlights the dangers of secondhand smoke for unborn and newborn children, emphasizing the need to avoid exposure to prevent permanent lung damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2006

Parental cigarette use is 'double whammy' for children

A new study from the University of Washington found that children of smokers are more likely to smoke, binge drink or use marijuana in adolescence and adulthood. The study also discovered a link between substance use by parents and their children's behavior problems, with a transmission link observed across generations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateAug 10, 2006

Taste gene may play role in smoking

A recent study published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research found a significant link between genetic variations in the PTC gene and smoking behavior. Smokers with reduced bitterness sensitivity were more likely to smoke for taste, while those with a specific less common genetic variant were 20% less likely to smoke.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateFeb 23, 2006

Unexpected high rates of tobacco use

The Global Youth Tobacco Survey found nearly 9% of students aged 13-15 were current smokers, with high exposure to secondhand smoke and non-cigarette tobacco use among young girls. Reduction efforts require preventing initiation and promoting cessation, with strong smoke-free policies necessary to combat the growing toll of tobacco use.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 16, 2006

Nearly a quarter of children are especially susceptible to respiratory illness if they are exposed to second-hand smoke

Children with a specific gene variation are more susceptible to respiratory illness when exposed to second-hand smoke. The USC study found that these children are four times more likely to miss school due to lower-respiratory illness, and their risk increases with exposure to multiple smokers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 15, 2005