The effect of ETS exposure on the BDNF protein

Introduction: In America, it is common knowledge that smoking cigarettes is bad for one’s health; however, it is less well known that secondhand smoke exposure can affect the neurological health of children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S. 1 in 5 children are at greater risk for mental health problems due to postnatal ETS exposure (Centers for Disease Control and prevention, 2010). Second hand smoke (SHS), also known as environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS), is made up of smoke breathed out by a smoker and side stream smoke from the burning cigarette. There are several toxic chemicals that are composed in SHS, such as arsenic, lead, cesium, carbon monoxide, and polyaromatics such as benzene. The toxic chemicals in SHS are known to result in negative health outcomes in the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems.