Passive smoking has long term effects on young arteries

Childhood exposure to cigarette smoke can cause irreversible artery damage and create a greater risk of heart disease in adult life, according to researchers at the University of Tasmania.

The study, published in the European Heart Journal, is the first to follow children through to adulthood to investigate the association between exposure to parental smoking and increased thickness of the arterial walls.  The lead author is Seana Gall, a research fellow in cardiovascular epidemiology at the UTAS Menzies Research Institute.

A statement from the university said the research gave added weight to the argument for banning smoking in areas where children could be affected, including cars.