What Doctors Don't Tell YouA new study has revealed another powerful reason to ban smoking in public places an increased risk of stroke.
New Zealand researchers report that exposure to environmental tobacco significantly increases the risk of acute stroke among non smokers or long term ex smokers.
The researchers took information on smoking habits and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke from 521 patients with a first ever acute stroke and compared this with 1,851 controls.
Even after adjustments, the risk was substantially increased for those who were exposed to passive smoke. Working or living with a smoker nearly doubled, a non smoker’s risk of having a stroke. The effect was most marked in men (Tobacco Control, 1999; 8: 156-60).
Daniel Redwood DC
Tom Ferguson MD
