Disparities in Secondhand Smoke Exposure——United States, 1988–1994 and 1999–2004

July 11, 2008 / Vol. 57 / No. 27

MMWR Introduction

According to the article, "Disparities in Secondhand Smoke Exposure—United States, 1988–1994 and 1999–2004," exposure to secondhand smoke declined markedly in the U.S. population between 1988–1994 and 1999–2004. Despite an overall improvement, disparities in exposure among subpopulations widened. From 1999–2004, children (23.8%) were four times more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke at home than were adults (5.9%). In addition, a higher percentage of non-Hispanic blacks and persons from low income families were exposed to secondhand smoke than their counterparts.