July 17th 2006

A new study found a link between secondhand smoke and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The study was conducted by researchers at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Maryland.

In analyzing 44 SIDS deaths, researchers found twice the amount of nicotine levels in the lung tissue of babies whose parents acknowledged that they were smokers than in babies who died of other causes.

"It's biochemical proof that smoke is associated with SIDS," said Gideon Koren, lead investigator and senior scientist at the hospital's research institute. "Some parents may feel guilty, and probably we underestimate the contribution of smoking to the risk of SIDS."

Koren said additional research is needed to determine which of the toxic substances in tobacco smoke increases the risk for SIDS.

The study's findings also are raising questions as to whether parents should be held responsible for exposing their babies to tobacco-filled air at home.

"In light of this new research, we and other agencies will be looking at it and rethinking our position to see if a stronger position is more feasible," said Gail Vandermeulen of the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies.

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