Increasingly, overwhelming evidence is accumulating about the serious health risks associated with exposure to second-hand smoke. Environmental tobacco smoke is classified as a Class A carcinogen. Because of its lower burning temperature, sidestream smoke from a burning substance such as a cigarette actually contains higher concentrations of toxins such as nicotine than inhaled smoke. Healthy nonsmokers exposed to environmental smoke have a dramatically increased risk of lung and nasal cancer, as well as ischemic heart disease and stroke. Passive exposure to tobacco metabolites also raises the likelihood of developing chronic respiratory diseases, and may exacerbate already existing health conditions such as asthma or cystic fibrosis. Self-reports about the smoking habits of family members/friends or about the personal/work environment cannot always accurately reflect the actual health impact of tobacco smoke on exposed individuals. Cotinine testing provides practitioners with a more accurate clinical benchmark to gauge the potential health consequences of second-hand smoke exposure. Children with parents who smoke, and who present with recurrent health problems such as chronic ear infections, colds or asthma, are strongly recommended for cotinine testing. High levels of cotinine in the child's urine indicate that the parent's smoking is affecting the child's health. Environmental smoke has been linked with learning disorders in children. Urinary cotinine is also useful for evaluating exposure status in pregnant women exposed to smoke. Studies have shown that cotinine may be passed on through breast milk to infants by mothers who smoke. The test can also gauge the effects of occupational exposure to smoke or industrial pollutants. The Cotinine Assay requires the collection of one random urine sample. Test results help practitioners and patients better understand the actual health impact from second-hand smoke, and to monitor the effectiveness of strategies designed to reduce exposure.
FEES INCLUDE: Kit: $14.95, Great Smokies Performance of Test: $60.00, Dr Banks follow-up consultation: $125 (email/phone) |