Pets in Lower Socioeconomic Communities Have a Higher Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke

Nichole Smith; Elizabeth Rozanski

doi:10.56771/jsmcah.v5.151

Authors

Nichole Smith Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, MA, USA
Elizabeth Rozanski Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, MA, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56771/jsmcah.v5.151

Keywords:

cotinine, second-hand smoke, environmental risk, education, poverty

Abstract

Introduction: Second-hand smoke (SHS) represents a significant public health issue. Lower socioeconomic status has been associated with a higher baseline rate of smoking. The hypothesis was that animals living in lower socioeconomic areas are more likely to be exposed to SHS.

Methods: Urine samples submitted for routine testing from pets living low-, lower-middle-, upper-middle-, and high-income areas based upon ZIP code were collected from a reference laboratory, and the presence or absence of urinary cotinine, as a marker of smoke exposure, was determined using a point of care assay. Results were compared using logistic regression.

Results: A total of 168 samples were evaluated. Animals living in the lowest socioeconomic Postal (ZIP) codes had a higher rate (26.7%) of positive urine cotinine compared to animals living in a higher income Postal (ZIP) code (4%).

Conclusion: The rate of exposure to SHS, as supported by urine cotinine levels, is much higher in animals in low socioeconomic areas. Consideration should be given to promoting smoking cessation and providing resources to encourage quitting.

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