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Elevated nicotine levels in cervical lavages from passive smokers.
C J Jones1, M H Schiffman, R Kurman
1Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892.
American Journal of Public Health
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Environmental tobacco smoke exposure is linked to higher nicotine levels in cervical cells among nonsmokers. Women exposed at home had the highest levels, indicating a significant association between passive smoking and cervical nicotine concentration.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Cervical cytology (Pap smears) are routine screenings for women's health.
- Nonsmokers can be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).
- ETS contains numerous toxic compounds, including nicotine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and cervical nicotine levels in nonsmokers.
- To determine if the intensity or location of ETS exposure correlates with nicotine levels in cervical cells.
Main Methods:
- One hundred forty-five nonsmokers with normal Pap smear results were recruited.
- Participants were interviewed about their exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
- Cervical saline lavage samples were analyzed for nicotine using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Nonsmokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke had measurable nicotine levels in cervical samples.
- Nicotine levels were highest in women with in-home exposure.
- Intermediate levels were found in women with only out-of-home exposure, and lowest in unexposed women (p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Environmental tobacco smoke exposure, even in nonsmokers, leads to detectable nicotine in cervical tissues.
- The level of cervical nicotine is associated with the degree of passive smoke exposure, particularly in-home exposure.