Variation in sensitivity to environmental tobacco smoke among adult non-smokers.

This study evaluated the extent to which acute reactions to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) among 723 adult non-smokers differ between those who report a medical history indicative of atopy and those with no such history. Study subjects were divided into three risk groups, based on their medical history: people who reported a doctor-confirmed diagnosis of asthma, hay fever, or allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or mites (n = 140); people not in Group I, who reported a doctor-confirmed history of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinus trouble (n = 246); and all other subjects (n = 337). Reactions to ETS were assessed by asking subjects to report how much it bothers them to be exposed to other people's tobacco smoke and to indicate whether they typically experience symptoms when exposed to ETS. Study findings support the concept that people with a history of atopy or respiratory illness are more sensitive to the acute irritating effects of ETS compared to people without such a medical history.