Contributions of in utero second-hand smoke and electronic-cigarette aerosol exposures on lung development and diseases

Second-hand smoke (SHS) is a main indoor air pollutant and a major public health concern. Increasing epidemiological evidence shows that similarly to active smoking during pregnancy, in utero exposures to SHS can affect the fetal development and result in adverse effects ranging from low birth weight to increased disease susceptibility in adulthood. In contrast, very little is known about the effects of electronic-cigarette (e-cig) aerosol on pregnancy outcomes and on the respiratory health of neonates. Given the rising use of e-cigs and involuntary exposures to SHS among young adults, including women of reproductive age, we asked whether in utero SHS or e-cig aerosol exposure influences lung development and susceptibility to develop respiratory diseases as adults. In this seminar, these two contaminants will be discussed in regard to their pulmonary effects following in utero exposures.

Live Zoom presentation. Register to receive Zoom link at: https://duke.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lfuCvqjkuGdNB8Q-cH3F4dCFQ4ej0DwDb