A Systematic Review of Research to Determine Toxicity of Involuntary Tobacco Smoking as Compared to First Hand Smoking and if Chronic Involuntary Tobacco Smoking during Childhood Causes Skeletal Diseases Later in Life
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A healthy adult life depends on a healthy childhood. Toxic exposures during childhood impact human
development and negatively impact adulthood. It is important to be aware of the impact of toxic exposures children may be
exposed to. A child will breath up to 3 times the volume per body weight compared to an adult and take in the same ratio of
airborne toxicants. A child’s organs and immune system are not fully developed to offer protection from airborne and residual
toxins compared to an adult. Children have limited options to escape toxins if they are in the home. Thus, children are the
most susceptible to the effects of toxins in their environment and should be protected from such exposures. Comprehensive
literature review utilizing google scholar searching the terms; secondhand smoke, tobacco smoke, passive smoking, cadmium,
lead, mercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and arthritis. Results: Tobacco Smoke exposure
is the greatest toxic exposure risk a child faces in a home environment. Tobacco Smoke exposure starts in the womb when
the embryo embeds in the mother’s uterus and connects to their mother’s blood flow. Tobacco smoke contains many
osteotoxic, nephrotoxic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic chemicals that significantly alter genetic material in the developing fetus
and child having long term consequences. Involuntary smoking is more of a health risk than active smoking. Children in the
home environment are more vulnerable to the toxins produced by active smokers even if the smoking takes place when the
child is not physically in the home. The child’s toxic exposure has long-term health effects leading to poor bone health and
skeletal diseases later in life. As parents and members of the general public we need to implement safeguards to protect
children in the home from involuntary tobacco smoking.
Copyright (c) 2023 Michael J Bobzien
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