Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, asthma in children and lung cancer. There is a biological plausibility of ETS as a causal factor for COPD. Objectives of the study were to examine the effect of passive smoking on lung function in non-smoking healthy women and to co-relate the effects of passive smoke as a risk factor for COPD. Methods: 50 women between 20-40 years of age exposed to passive smoke at home and workplace were assessed by questionnaire.

more »

... he pulmonary function tests were performed and the values of FEV1 and FVC were obtained by a spirometer. Results: Out of 50 women, 34 % at workplace, 54% at home and 12% at home and workplace were exposed. Mean age was 30.3 years. Mean±SD of FEV1 was 1.94±0.9, FVC was 2.54±1.06, FEV1/FVC was 73.5±10.06 predicted FEV1 % was 63.2±23.2. FEV1/FVC of women exposed at home and workplace was 70.84 indicating that they have higher chances of developing COPD later in life. Conclusions: Passive smoking represents a serious health hazard that can be prevented by health education campaigns.