The draft document addresses the scientific, mostly epidemiologic, evidence on the potential association between passive smoking or Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults, and respiratory disorders in children. With respect to lung cancer in adults the draft report concludes that ETS is causally associated with lung cancer in nonsmoking adults and that according to EPA guidelines for carcinogen risk assessment, ETS is a Group A (known human) carcinogen; and that approximately 3800 lung cancer deaths per year among nonsmokers (never-smokers and former smokers) of both sexes in the United States are attributable to ETS. With respect to respiratory effects in children, ETS exposure from parental smoking, especially during infancy, is associated with increased prevalence of acute lower-respiratory tract infections (bronchitis and pneumonia), symptoms of irritation (cough, sputum, wheeze), and middle ear effusions (a sign of chronic middle ear disease). It also concludes that ETS is associated with reduced lung function and with a small reduction in the rate of pulmonary growth and development in children of mothers who smoke during their early childhood.

"External Review Draft." "Office of Health and Environmental Assessment." "Office of Atmospheric and Indoor Air Programs." "Office of Air and Radiation." "Office of Research and Development." "May 1990." "EPA/600-6-90-006A."