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Posted on Oct 28, 2016, 6 a.m.
Survey shows most agree that e-cigarette use should not be allowed where smoking is prohibited, yet use allowed in one-third of homes.
A recent study analyzed data from the 2015 Social Climate Survey of Tobacco Control. Most of the adults surveyed in 2015 acknowledge that e-cigarette use should not be permitted in places where smoking is prohibited. However, one-third of the respondents allowed e-cigarette use within their homes, and less than half said they were aware that exhaled e-cigarette vapors contain nicotine that deposits on indoor surfaces.
Author and professor, Robert McMillen, PhD in Psychology at Mississippi State University, states that many adults are unclear about the potential harm of e- cigarettes. About 37% of the adults believed that inhaled vapors from e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and that the deposits from the vapor remains on indoor surfaces. Less than one half of the respondents stated they were uncertain of the harm originating from e-cigarette vapors.
In addition, 44% of respondents stated that using e-cigarettes around children expose children to nicotine, whereas about 46% were unsure. A further analysis showed that there were no or less restrictions in households where males, smokers, users and e-cigarette supporters, aged 18- 24 years old reside. This information is based on smokers with lower levels of education and households without children. It is assumed that smokers with lower levels of education tend to not believe that e-cigarettes pose any real harm to children, while adult smokers with children, and with higher levels of education, state that they are uncertain about the potential harm of nicotine.
However, most participants participating in the survey were of one accord, when asked about e-cigarettes and house rules. According to data collected 3,070 adults responded to the survey. An estimated 68% stated that e-cigarettes were not allowed inside their homes, and 77% prohibited the use of e-cigarettes inside their vehicle. Another 84% believed that e-cigarettes should not be used in places where smoking is prohibited, and 74% stated that e-cigarettes should not be used in the presence of children.
McMillen looks at this disparity as an opportunity to educate parents on the issues of toxic exposure from e-cigarettes, and to further advise parents on how to keep their environment (home, car, etc.) tobacco and e-cigarette free. The downside is that many parents are unaware of the potential risk their children face, and could possibly allow or accept the use of e-cigarettes in their surroundings.
"Household rules about e-cigarette use and beliefs about harms to children," will be presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2016 National Conference & Exhibition in San Francisco on Oct. 22.
