Acute effects of second-hand smoke on complete blood count

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.

Keywords:

• passive smoking
• environmental tobacco smoke
• white blood cells
• inflammation

Acknowledgments

The salary of ADF is paid by the Centre for Research and Technology Thessaly. He has served as an expert consultant for the World Health Organization regarding electronic nicotine delivery systems. All authors, report no financial or personal relationships with other people or organizations that could influence (bias) their actions.