Nicotine in thirdhand smoke residue predicts relapse from smoking cessation: A pilot study. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matt, Georg E.; Mahabee-Gittens, E. Melinda; Zakarian, Joy M.; Quintana, Penelope J.E.; Hoh, Eunha; Myers, Mark
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 98(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Thirdhand smoke -- Nicotine -- Relapse -- Smoking cessation; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Thirdhand smoke (THS) residue lingers for months in homes of former smokers and may play a role in relapse after smoking cessation. This study examined the association between THS pollution as measured by the level of nicotine in house dust and continued abstinence from smoking. Methods: Participants were 65 cigarette smokers who reported they were enrolled in any type of smoking cessation program, had set a specific date to quit, and had biochemical verification of continuous abstinence at 1-week (W1), 1-month (M1), 3-months (M3), or 6-months (M6) after their quit date. House dust samples collected at baseline before quitting were analyzed for nicotine concentration (μg/g) and nicotine loading (μg/m 2 ) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: Controlling for age, gender, overall and indoor smoking rates, and years lived in their home, dust nicotine concentration and loading predicted abstinence at W1, M1, M3, and M6. A 10-fold increase in dust nicotine loading and concentration were associated with approximately 50% lower odds of remaining abstinent. Conclusions: Findings suggest nicotine in house dust may play a role in facilitating relapse after smoking cessation. Additional research is warranted to investigate the causal role of THS residue in homes of former smokers on cravings and continued abstinence. Highlights: Thirdhand smoke (THS) remains in homes of smokers after they quit. House dust nicotine before quitting predicts relapse up to 6 months after quitting. A ten-fold increase in dust nicotine was associated with 50% lower odds of quitting. THS in the homes of former smokers may play a role in relapse after cessation.