Immediate Danger: Biology of How Secondhand Smoke Causes Heart Attacks

Audience: Tobacco policy advocates, public health professionals involved in promoting smoke-free environments.  Anyone engaged in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.

Key Points: Over the past decade, numerous studies have confirmed that passing smoke-free workplace laws results in immediate and dramatic reductions in heart attacks.   There are few public health policies that result in such significant and immediate positive outcomes.  Despite the number of studies that confirm these health impacts, many people remain skeptical.  How is it that secondhand smoke impacts the body to such a degree that it can directly lead to increased risk of an immediate heart attack after only 30 minutes of exposure?  One missing link in this discussion has been an adequate understanding of the physiological effects of secondhand smoke on blood and the circulatory system. 

In this presentation, Dr. Stanton Glantz will provide this missing link.   Based on research conducted around the world over the last decade, Dr. Glantz will show how tobacco smoke: damages the cells lining the blood vessels, making them more susceptible to blockage; interferes with the body’s natural ability to repair cellular damage and;  how this negative impact remains for many hours after exposure occurs. 

Educational Experience: The information will be presented in lecture format.  Participants will be able to use the information to build support for smoke-free policies in their communities.

Benefits: Experienced tobacco control advocates who have seen this presentation have found it to be among the most compelling data that builds the case for smoke-free policies in the history of the movement.