Secondhand smoke increases miscarriage risk

Summary, by New Jersey GASP:
Pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke were 67 percent more likely to miscarry than those who weren't exposed, according to a new study of more than 1,300 women. Unlike previous studies, which relied on reports from study participants, this study measured participants' blood levels for cotinine, a marker for nicotine exposure. Spontaneous abortion is the most common adverse outcome of pregnancy, and exposure to secondhand smoke is not uncommon, so the public health consequences of these facts may be substantial, according to the researchers.

To see a copy of that report, from ScientificAmerican.com, click here

This page updated November 1, 2006