Tobacco Documents Online

CLAIM: ETS EXPOSURE AND NONSMOKERS W!TH-~.pRE~EXISTENT HEART/LUNG DISEASE, TOBACCO SMOKE IS A HEALTH RISK FOR NONSMOKERS SUFFERING FROM H:EART AND LUNG DISEASES. RESPONSES: The claim about heart disease is largely based on, a 1978, study involving i0 heart patients which reported that exposure to tobacco smoke could hasten the onset of heart pain during exercise.(1) However, the credibility of this report, as well as other research, by this investigator, has been. widely challenged.(2) Furthermore, other than a single Russian language article about which relatively little is known,(3) the 1978 data have not been replicated in the literature. One reason for this ma~y be the possibility that subjective factors may have influenced the data. This possibility is supported by research from Great Britain which actually measured objective responses of a group of heart patients to smoking and carbon monoxide exposure. Using these objective measurements, no adverse physical response were reported at any level of exposure.(4~) Other scientists have questioned: the plausibility of a~ association between adverse reactions in heart patient~

and exposure to tobacco smoke, given the extremely low. levels encountered in everyday life. (.5) Similarly, studies which have assessed the influence of tobacco smoke exposures on adult asthmatics are not conclusive. While the data from two studies have been interpreted as suggesting a genu.ine response to tobacco smoke,(16) the five other studies reported no significant, objective changes in asthmatics, sometimes even after prolonged;, heavy exposure to tobacco smoke.(7) ~n the two studies reporting a possible relationship, researchers were unable to rule out the influence of emotional and psychological stress. It's doubtful these people can~ avoid everything that they perceive as uncomfortable -- this is a simple reality. What's obvious is the need for special courtesy by all people -- not just smokers -- to individuals with these medical conditions. That may mean avoiding, for example, the use of aerosols, perfumes, etc., as well as smoking. - 2 -

3 o 7¸ o REFERENCES Aronow, W., "Effects of Passfve Smoking on Angina Pectoris," New. England Journal of Medicine 299(I),: 21-24, 1978. Fisher, E., Statement, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Agriculture,, Subcommittee on Tobacco, Effect of Smoking on Nonsmokers, H~earing, 95th Cong. 2nd Sess., September 7, 1978, washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing: office, 1978., pp. 35-4~0. Shephard, R., The Risks of Passive Smoking (London.: Helm~ Ltd., 1982): 73. Croom- Mintz, M., "FDA, Citing Phony Evidence, Bars Drug Tests by Researcher," The Washington Post, Ma:rch 23, 1983. Peterson, C., "EPA Probe Criticizes a Study Used in A.ir Quality Standard," The Wash,inqton Post, J,une 7, 1983. Kha~ifen, E.Sh. and Klochkov, V.A., "Effect of 'Passive' Smoking on the Physical Load Tolerance of Coronary Heart Disease Patfents," Ter. Arkh. 5: 112-115, 1987. [Uncertified translation] McNicol, M., and J. McM Turner, "Oxygen Uptake at the Onset of Angina Pectoris: Effects of Nicotine and!Carbon Monoxide," Clin. Sci 65:(3): 24, i~983. Abstract. Schievelbein, H. and: F. Richter, "The Influence of Passive Smoking on the Cardiovascular System," Preventive Medi.cine 13.(6) : 626-644, ~984. Rylander, R., "Workshop Perspectives," ETS-Environmental Tobacco Smoke: Report from a Workshop on Effects and Exposure Levels, R. Rylander, et al. (eds.), Eur. J. Resp~r. Dis, Suppl. 133(65): 143-145, 1984. Dahms, T., et al., "Passive Smoking -- Effects on Bronchial Asthma," Chest 80 (5).: 530-534, 1981. Knight, A., and A. Breslin, "Passive Cigarette Smoking and Patients With Asthma," Medical Journal of Australia 14~2(3): 1194-5, 1985. Ing, A. and A. Breslin, "The Effect of Passive Cigarette Smoking on, Asthmatic Pati~ents," Proceedings, The Thoracic Society of Australia, p. 543, October, 1983. Abstract. - 3 -

Lebowitz, M., "The Effects of Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Gas Stoves on Daily Peak Flow. Rates in Asthmatic and Non-Asthmatic Families," ETS-Environmental Tobacco Smoke: Report from a Workshop on Effects and Exposure Levels, R. Rylander, et al. (eds.), Eur. J. Respir. Dis., Suppl. 133(65): 90-97, 1984. Magnussen, H., "The Effect of Passive Smoking on Airway Tone and Responsiveness in Children and Adults with Bronchial Asthma," Toxico~oq~cal Forum, Budapest, Hungary: 202-205, 1990. Shephard, R., et al., "'Passive' Exposure of Asthmatic Sub- jects to Cigarette Smoke," Environ. Res. 20: 392-402, 1979. Weidemann, M., et al., "Acute Effects of Passive Smoking on Lung Function. and Airway Reactivity in Asthmatic Subjects," Ch,est 8:9(2)i: 180-18.5, 1986. 104:28858 - 4 -