Tobacco.org

First direct link of passive smoking to cot death 

Researchers in Sydney have found the first direct evidence that exposure to cigarette smoke increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The research, conducted by the University of Sydney's Bosch Institute, found exposure to second-hand smoke caused changes to babies' brain cells.

Researchers led by Rita Machaalani were trying to turn parents' tragedy into medical progress, analysing brain tissue from babies who had undergone autopsies at Glebe morgue.

They found 81 per cent of the infants who died of SIDS had been exposed to cigarette smoke, while only 58 per cent of those who died of other causes were exposed to second-hand smoke.

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