Study Links SIDS, Second-Hand Smoke
SIDS Infants Had More Nicotine In Lungs
Updated: 9:45 a.m. EST February 25, 2002
New research strengthens the link between smoking and sudden infant death syndrome.
Canadian researchers measured nicotine levels in the lungs of infants who died of SIDS and in babies who died from other causes.
They found higher concentrations of nicotine in SIDS infants, even in cases when the parents reported a non-smoking environment.
Earlier studies linking smoking to SIDS relied solely on reports from parents and relatives. Researchers say fear and embarrassment may have kept families from being honest about smoking habits.
They say the results of this study are based on a biochemical test rather than relatives' reports.
Smoking during pregnancy and after childbirth is a known risk factor for SIDS.
In contrast with mainstream smoke, second-hand smoke has greater amounts of chemicals like ammonia, carbon monoxide, and nicotine.
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