Impact of exposure to secondhand smoke on the levels of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons among the US children and adolescents

The impact of secondhand smoke (SHS) on the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites among the US children and adolescents was evaluated. The data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2003–2008 were analyzed by regression models. SHS at home for children was associated with statistically significantly higher unadjusted levels of 2-hydroxynapthalane, 2-, 3-, and 9-hydroxyfluorene, 1-, 2-, and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene. Also, SHS at home for adolescents was associated with statistically significantly higher unadjusted levels of 2- and 9-hydroxyfluorene, 2- and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene. Further, SHS exposure at home was associated with (1) higher adjusted levels of 9-hydroxyfluorene for 6–12 years old (p < 0.01) and (2) lower adjusted levels of 1-hydroxynaphthalene for 12–19 years old (p < 0.01).