Exposure to Secondhand Smoke Can Lead to Nicotine Dependence in Preteens

A new study suggests that preteens who are exposed to secondhand smoke may develop nicotine dependence themselves.

The study also found that preteens who often see parents, siblings, friends or neighbors smoking are more likely to take up smoking themselves when they become teens, Science Daily reports. Researchers followed 327 Canadian students in sixth and seventh grade, who were asked about their smoking habits, the number of smokers they knew and the situations in which they saw people smoking.

In Nicotine & Tobacco Research, the investigators reported that the preteens who were surrounded by more smokers believed that there are greater advantages to smoking. Lead researcher Simon Racicot told the news service that preteens who see other people smoking are more likely to start smoking themselves because they don’t perceive smoking as unhealthy.