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In good governance news, smoke-free air regulations are shown to safeguard youth. Children and
adolescents from non-smoking homes had 39% less cotinine, a tobacco exposure indicator,
in their blood if they lived in counties with laws limiting smoking in public places compared
to those who did not. The study was conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public
Health in Massachusetts, USA. The scientists analyzed results from a 1999 to 2006 National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of cotinine levels in more than 11,000 tobacco-free
3-to 19-year-olds. Dr. Melanie Dove of the Harvard School of Public Health said, “The
findings suggest that smoke-free laws are an effective strategy to protect both children
and adults from exposure to secondhand smoke.” The report was published in the American journal
“Pediatrics.” Our thankfulness, Dr. Melanie Dove and colleagues, for bringing attention
to the dangers of secondhand smoke to our innocent youngsters. May more adopt health-conscious
lifestyles free of toxins for the well-being of all.