Smoking is injurious to health. It is a known fact that smoking increases the risks of cancer and other long-term health issues. Even exposure to smoking is damaging. But is it just limited to active smoking?
Smoking or exposure to it causes serious health damage. However, a new study by researchers at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) reveals that passive exposure to cigarette smoking could alter how children's genes express themselves, similar to that in active smokers.
This study, published in the journal Environment International, underlines that children are more vulnerable to disease.
The genes act as an instruction manual for the body, environmental factors and so on.
Blood samples of around 2,700 children aged between 7-10 years from across eight European countries were analysed for the study. Samples from countries including Spain and France were tested.
The team found an increased DNA methylation in 11 regions on the genome -- one's entire DNA -- among children exposed to passive smoking.
What is gene expression?
Gene expression is the process our cells use to convert the instructions in our DNA into a functional product. It is how information in a gene is translated into observable behaviour.
The study calls for urgent implementation of comprehensive measures to reduce childhood exposure to tobacco smoke, both at home and indoors.
What is secondhand smoke or passive smoking?
Secondhand smoke is not the smoke that you mean to breathe in. Exposure to secondhand smoke comes from burning tobacco products like cigarettes, or cigars.
What are the effects of secondhand smoke among children?
1. Frequent coughing, sneezing, and breathing difficulties
2. Chronic and frequent ear infections
3. Severe asthma attacks
4. Respiratory infections
5. Increased risk of brain tumours and lung cancer
