Nicotine in thirdhand smoke residue predicts relapse from smoking cessation: A pilot study.

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION:Thirdhand smoke (THS) residue lingers for months in homes of former smokers and may play a role in relapse after smoking cessation. This study examined the association between THS pollution as measured by the level of nicotine in house dust and continued abstinence from smoking. METHODS:Participants were 65 cigarette smokers who reported they were enrolled in any type of smoking cessation program, had set a specific date to quit, and had biochemical verification of continuous abstinence at 1-week (W1), 1-month (M1), 3-months (M3), or 6-months (M6) after their quit date. House dust samples collected at baseline before quitting were analyzed for nicotine concentration (?g/g) and nicotine loading (?g/m2) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS:Controlling for age, gender, overall and indoor smoking rates, and years lived in their home, dust nicotine concentration and loading predicted abstinence at W1, M1, M3, and M6. A 10-fold increase in dust nicotine loading and concentration were associated with approximately 50% lower odds of remaining abstinent. CONCLUSIONS:Findings suggest nicotine in house dust may play a role in facilitating relapse after smoking cessation. Additional research is warranted to investigate the causal role of THS residue in homes of former smokers on cravings and continued abstinence.

SUBMITTER: Matt GE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6745712 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature