Lowest Levels of Smoking Cause Harm to Genes

August, 2011

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have found that even at the lowest detectable levels, smoking has direct effects on genetic functioning of lung cells. Changes to the functioning of such genes is a first warning sign for disease in the lungs. Similar effects had previously been shown in heavier smokers, but until this point no conclusive evidence had been found for low level smokers or from secondhand smoke. This research supports that there is no safe exposure to cigarette smoke, including exposure to secondhand smoke, and that public health efforts to ban smoking in public places can help to avoid this harmful exposure.