Abstract Objective To investigate the association between second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure and sleep disturbances by systematically reviewing the literature base and to quantify this association by conducting a meta-analysis. Method We did a systemat

Abstract No research has examined the prevalence of involuntary cannabis exposure in the home within the context of multi-unit housing (MUH). The 2017 cycle of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Monitor population RDD survey included measures

Abstract: Objectives: In this study, we measured concentrations of PM2.5 and major volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present during a real-world indoor e-cigarette event. Methods: Particulates of 2.5 μm aerodynamic diameter or smaller (PM2.5) were me

Includes Full Report, Executive Summary, chapter downloads and mini infographic posters Key Findings: In 2015, 20% of Ontarians aged 12 years or older used tobacco products in the past 30 days including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco an

This newsletter provides an overview of OTRU’s Knowledge and Evaluation Support initiative and highlights one project supported by this initiative: the That’s Risky social marketing campaign. This campaign’s main objective was to increase awareness t

Abstract: This paper investigates the impacts of smoke-free housing policies on compliance, enforcement and smoking behavior. From 2012 to 2014, we studied two affordable housing providers in Canada with comprehensive smoke-free policies: Waterloo Re

In collaboration with Toronto Public Health, OTRU conducted an evaluation of Toronto’s amended outdoor smoke-free bylaws. Findings suggest that the amended bylaws had a limited impact on smoking behaviour and exposure to secondhand smoke one year aft

Abstract: In 2010, Waterloo Region Housing (Canada) enacted a smoke-free (SF) housing policy that made all new leases in their community-housing portfolio (2722 units) 100 % SF. Existing lease holders were ‘grandfathered’—meaning tenants could still

This infographic is based on the findings of a study by OTRU researchers that assessed air quality using multiple ambient air measures and a biomarker for exposure in both indoor and outdoor waterpipe cafes in Toronto, Canada. Zhang B, Haji F, Kaufma

Abstract: Background: Tobacco and non-tobacco-based waterpipe smoking has increased exponentially in many countries in recent decades, particularly among youth and young adults. Although tobacco smoking is banned in many indoor public places, waterpi

Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a long standing public health issue. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act protects many Ontarians from exposure to SHS in enclosed public places and workplaces including restaurants and bars, casinos, in vehicles, and in t

Abstract Objectives: Smoke-free policies not only reduce harm to non-smokers, they may also reduce harm to smokers by decreasing the number of cigarettes smoked and increasing the likelihood of a successful quit attempt. However, little is known abou

This update provides a brief overview of smoking prevalence and exposure to secondhand smoke in Ontario based on the findings of the recently released 2013 Canadian Community Health Survey. The last significant change in smoking prevalence was betwee

The health risks of second hand smoke (SHS) are now well established; in many places, including the province of Ontario, most indoor public places such as workplaces, bars, and restaurants are covered under smoke-free ordinances. People in outdoor en

This update provides an overview of the issues surrounding exposure to outdoor smoking including the impacts of physical and social exposure, constituents of outdoor second hand smoke, potential harm to health, and impact on wildlife and the environm

Abstract Background: Health policy-making, a complex, multi-factorial process, requires balancing conflicting values. A salient issue is public support for policies; however, one reason for limited impact of public opinion may be misperceptions of po

In response to growing concerns about third hand smoke (THS), OTRU hosted a workshop for public health, tobacco control policy, and research communities in May 2012, in Toronto. An online survey was circulated prior to the event to public health, hea

The main goal of this evaluation was to explore the implementation and impact of TFSR policies within the sport of hockey in four Ontario public health units (PHUs) and examine the barriers and facilitators in TFSR policy implementation. This report

Abstract We estimated the impact of a smoke-free workplace bylaw on non-smoking bar workers’ health in Ontario, Canada. We measured bar workers’ urine cotinine before (n = 99) and after (n = 91) a 2004 smoke-free workplace bylaw. Using ph

Abstract Objective: Secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) harms adults and children. Though most governments are obliged by international health treaty to protect nonsmokers from SHSe, few adequately do so. Public opinion can provide a powerful mandate fo

This update reviews current bans under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and concludes that protection from secondhand smoke in Ontario is comparable to that of other Canadian jurisdictions, except for those with a complete ban on smoking on open patios. Th

Abstract Introduction: An unintended consequence of indoor smoking restrictions is the relocation of smoking to building entrances, where non-smokers may be exposed to secondhand smoke, and smoke from outdoor areas may drift through entrances, exposi

There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Even brief exposure can trigger asthma attacks in children, and exposure can have immediate negative health impacts in adults including general respiratory and eye irritation, asthma symptoms, and

Abstract This paper identifies factors that influence where people smoke outdoors and examines the impact of smoking on people who use outdoor public places. Direct observations of smoking at 12 outdoor public places and semi-structured interviews wi

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition to causing heart disease, cancer and premature death in nonsmoking adults, secondhand premature death in nonsmoking adults, secondhand smoke also causes sudden infant death syndrome,

This update highlights findings that were recently published in Kaufman P, Griffin K, Ferrence R, Cohen J, Perkins N. Smoking in Urban Outdoor Public Places: Behaviour, Experiences and Implications for Public Health. Health and Place 16: 961-968, 201

Abstract Background: The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) came into effect in May 2006 and included restrictions to outdoor hospitality areas by only permitting smoking on a patio if the area had no roof. Objectives: (1) To assess the impact of the SFOA

Editorial On the 24 March, the tobacco advisory group of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in England published its report on passive smoking and children. The report details the effects of exposure to secondhand smoke in children and includes a

Abstract Many studies have evaluated the impact of indoor smoking bans on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. No studies have assessed the impact of a smoking ban on SHS in enclosed areas outside separately ventilated, designated smoking rooms (DSRs). T

Abstract Objective: To examine the relationship between physicians’ tobacco-related medical training and physicians’ confidence in their tobacco-related skills and smoking-related interventions with parents of child patients. Design: Mail

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition to causing heart disease, cancer and premature death in nonsmoking adults, secondhand premature death in nonsmoking adults, secondhand smoke also causes sudden infant death syndrome,

In order to enhance our understanding of the relationship between breast cancer and tobacco smoke, an international Expert Panel met in November 2008 under the auspices of the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit. The Panel brought together leading experts

Abstract Objective: To determine if bar workers are adequately protected from secondhand smoke by an Act that prohibits indoor smoking in public workplaces, including bars and restaurants, but allows smoking on unenclosed contiguous patios. Methods:

Abstract The home is a significant source of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure for many children and, therefore, increasingly a focus of intervention, although evidence of effectiveness remains equivocal. However, little is known about the n

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of an indoor smoke-free bylaw in Toronto, Ontario, implemented June 2004. Methods: We used a pre-post comparison design to assess secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among 79 eligible bar workers in Toronto, Ont

There is now enough scientific evidence to link both active smoking and second-hand smoke to breast cancer, according to an international panel convened by the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit. Related publications: Canadian Expert Panel on Tobacco Smok

La fumée du tabac est l’un des rares risques modifiables associé au cancer du sein et à ses répercussions sur des nombreuses femmes. Les jeunes femmes en particulier devraient comprendre que les données disponibles semblent indiquer que le lien entre

Based on a comprehensive review of all available evidence, including important recent evidence, the report of the Canadian Expert Panel on Tobacco Smoke and Breast Cancer Risk concludes that there is now enough scientific evidence to link both active

Tobacco smoke is one of the few modifiable risks for breast cancer and it impacts many women. Young women in particular, should understand that available evidence suggests that the relationship between breast cancer and both active smoking and SHS is

Most nonsmokers in Canada and the United States are protected from secondhand smoke exposure at work and in indoor public places, but many are still exposed to smoke entering their homes from neighbouring dwellings, shared indoor spaces, ventilation