A Cross-Sectional Study on Benzene Exposure in Pediatric Age and Parental Smoking Habits at Home

Arianna Antonucci, Matteo Vitali, Stefano Martellucci, Vincenzo Mattei and Carmela Protano
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Arianna Antonucci: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Matteo Vitali: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Stefano Martellucci: Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, “Sabina Universitas”, 02100 Rieti, Italy
Vincenzo Mattei: Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, “Sabina Universitas”, 02100 Rieti, Italy
Carmela Protano: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-17

Abstract: After the introduction of the smoke-free legislation, household smoking has become the major source of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure for children. In our previous research, we found a strong association between urinary unmodified benzene (u-UB) levels and passive smoking exposure related to the home smoking policies (HSP). The aim of the study is to further investigate the impacts of several factors on ETS-exposure in childhood by using u-UB as tobacco-related carcinogen biomarker of exposure. Two cross-sectional studies were performed on the same target population of our previous research, in summer and winter season of the years 2017 and 2018, respectively. A questionnaire and a head space–solid phase micro-extraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) analytical method were used as investigative procedures. The improvement found in smoking habits, when compared to our previous surveys, reduced the levels of u-UB in children. However, significant differences related to the high number of smokers and smoked cigarettes, in total and at home, still persist. These differences are more relevant in the winter season. Finally, the only effective way for making homes completely smokefree is to develop public health policies for encouraging people to quit or drastically reduce smoking.

Keywords: benzene; exposure; environmental tobacco smoke; children; parents; smoking; summer; winter; home smoking habits (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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