Secondhand smoke point-source exposures assessed by particulate matter at two popular public beaches in Thailand.

Background: Throughout Asia, smoking is commonplace at crowded public beaches. Evidence has clearly shown the dangers of secondhand smoke (SHS) indoors, but no naturalistic studies have determined levels of SHS in outdoor air.

Methods: We measured SHS exposure at two public beaches in Thailand where families lounge in beach chairs under beach umbrellas.

Determining the burden of secondhand smoke exposure on the respiratory health of Thai children.

Background: The impact of secondhand smoke (SHS) on Southeast Asian children's health has been assessed by a limited number of studies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether in Thailand, pre- and postnatal exposure to SHS is associated with acute lower respiratory conditions in young children.

Methods: We conducted a case control study of 462 children under age five admitted with acute lower respiratory illnesses, including asthma and pneumonia, at a major hospital in Bangkok.