First name
Kirsten
Last name
Koehler

Title

The feasibility of an air purifier and secondhand smoke education intervention in homes of inner city pregnant women and infants living with a smoker.

Year of Publication

2018

Number of Pages

524-530

Date Published

2018 01

ISSN Number

1096-0953

Abstract

<p><strong>OBJECTIVES: </strong>Secondhand smoke (SHS) and other air pollutants adversely affect the health of pregnant women and infants. A feasibility study aimed at reducing air pollution in homes of pregnant women or infants living with a smoker was completed.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>In collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, women ≥ 18 years of age and either pregnant nonsmokers, or post-partum (any smoking status) with an infant age 0-12 months were recruited. Homes had at least one smoker. Intervention included two air purifiers and secondhand smoke education. Outcomes included feasibility, change in fine particulate matter (PM), air nicotine, and salivary cotinine pre- and post-intervention.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Fifty women were enrolled (mean age 27 years, 92% African American, 71% single, 94% Medicaid eligible, 34% reported smoking) and 86% completed the study. Of the 50 women, 32 had infants and 18 were pregnant at time of enrollment. Post- intervention, 70% of participants reported smokers were less likely to smoke indoors, and 77% had at least one air purifier turned on at the final visit. Participant satisfaction was high (91%) and 98% would recommend air purifiers. Indoor PM was significantly decreased (P &lt; 0.001). Salivary cotinine was significantly decreased for non-smoking women (P &lt; 0.01) but not infants, and no significant change in air nicotine occurred (P = 0.6).</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>Air purifiers with SHS education is a feasible intervention in homes of women and infants. These data demonstrate reduction in indoor PM and salivary cotinine in non-smoking adults. Air purifiers are not an alternative for smoking cessation and a home/ car smoking ban. Smoking cessation should be strongly encouraged for all pregnant women, and nonsmoking mothers with infants should be counseled to completely avoid SHS exposure. This study provides support for a future intervention evaluating clinical endpoints.</p>

DOI

10.1016/j.envres.2017.10.020

Alternate Title

Environ Res

PMID

29089103

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