Acute effects of second-hand smoke on complete blood count

Int J Environ Health Res. 2014;24(1):56-62. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2013.782603. Epub 2013 Apr 2.

Abstract

We assessed the acute effects of a 1-h exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) on complete blood count (CBC) markers in a controlled simulated bar/restaurant environment. Nineteen adult never-smokers completed a 1-h .exposure to SHS at bar/restaurant levels, and a 1-h exposure to normal room air. Blood samples were collected at the baseline at 30 min during each exposure, and at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h after each exposure. The values of white blood cells (WBC) at 1 h (p = 0.010), 3 h (p = 0.040), and 4 h (p = 0.008) following SHS were significantly increased compared with the baseline values. Also, there was a positive association between the WBC and cotinine levels (r = 0.28, p = 0.007). A 1-h exposure to SHS at bar/restaurant levels significantly increased the WBC for at least 4 h following the exposure time. This effect of SHS on WBC has dose-response characteristics and should be considered to prescribing CBC.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Cell Count
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Cotinine / blood*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Environmental Exposure*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Restaurants
  • Time Factors
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution
  • Cotinine