Summary
Introduction:
This text summarizes the TackShS project, which aims to understand the impact of second-hand smoke (ShS) and second-hand aerosols (Sha) from electronic cigarettes on the respiratory health of the European population. The project involves a series of coordinated studies by eleven academic and public health organizations from six European countries. The studies will investigate the determinants of ShS and Sha exposure, the overall disease burden and economic impact, and the effectiveness of interventions to reduce ShS exposure.
Key points:
* The TackShS project aims to comprehensively elucidate the impact of ShS and Sha exposure on the European population.
* The project involves eight research-oriented work-packages (WPs) and three support WPs.
* WP2 will objectively assess ShS exposure in private and outdoor settings in Europe.
* WP3 will estimate the prevalence and determinants of smoking, e-cigarette use, and exposure to ShS and Sha in the European population.
* WP4 will develop a targeted intervention to reduce ShS exposure in homes.
* WP5 will assess the acute respiratory health effects of ShS exposure in patients with COPD and asthma.
* WP6 will characterize exposure to e-cigarette aerosols among non-smokers.
* WP8 will investigate environmental and bystanders’ exposure to Sha in real-life conditions.
* WP9 will estimate attributable mortality and morbidity to ShS in Europe.
* WP10 will produce economic models for the analysis of the return on investment of policies aimed at reducing ShS exposure.
* WP7 will investigate the best methods and procedures for real-time measurement of ShS and Sha using optical particle counters.
Main message:
The TackShS project will provide a significant step forward in understanding the impact of ShS and Sha exposure on health and will provide the basis for health policy recommendations to help European countries further reduce the harm caused by ShS and Sha exposure. The project's comprehensive, integrated approach will enable a significant advancement in the current status quo and provide valuable information for policy makers, health professionals, and the public.
Citation
Fernández E, López MJ, Gallus S, et al. Tackling second-hand exposure to tobacco smoke and aerosols of electronic cigarettes: the TackShS project protocol. Gaceta sanitaria. 2020;34(1):77-82. doi:10.1016/j.gaceta.2019.07.002
