Respiratory symptoms/diseases and lifetime cumulative exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in never smoker Italian women (SEASD Study)

ETS exposure is associated with an increased risk of respiratory/allergic disorders. Aim: to assess the associations between lifetime ETS exposure and current respiratory health. Methods: Through a questionnaire, we collected information on lifetime ETS exposure at workplace, home, other places, in 1977 never smoker women living in four Italian areas (mean age 45.9). A cumulative ETS exposure index (ETSi) was computed basing on duration, frequency and the subjectively evaluated level of exposure during different life periods. The lifetime exposure was defined as light, moderate, and heavy according to the tertiles of the ETSi distribution. Results: Multivariate analyses showed a strength dose-response association of the lifetime ETS exposure level with all considered respiratory/allergic disorders. Conclusion: These information indicate the need to spread the smoking ban in public places and to suggest the abatement of ETS in private setting. Data collected before the Italian regulation on smoking ban in public places (January 2005).