Deutsche Welle: Vaping while pregnant: What we know
UC tobacco addiction expert weighs in on new research reported by global media
Ashley Merianos, PhD, an assistant professor of human services, is proving herself a sought-after expert for media commentary on the toxicity of tobacco and the effects of tobacco related behaviors such as smoking and vaping.
Merianos, a prolific tobacco researcher who is currently serving as a co-investigator on two U.S. National Institutes of Health research projects, was cited recently in the global news outlet Deutsche Welle, Germany’s state-owned news organization. Merianos commented on potential flaws in a study (not her research) that showed vaping nicotine in pregnancy is not associated with any adverse effects in mothers or their babies.
In the article, Merianos said the results needed to be interpreted with caution, "since the growing body of evidence points to inconclusive results about the role e-cigarettes play as a tobacco cessation aid for anyone, including pregnant women."
The article was reprinted in The Times of India.
Merianos current research focus is on third-hand smoke and is an affiliate member of the Thirdhand Smoke Research Consortium.
Third-hand smoke is either inhaling, ingesting or dermally absorbing the pollutants that are left behind in the environment after tobacco has been smoked. The pollutants can be found on walls, furniture and even decorations.
She recently led a study in collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s on the levels of third-hand smoke in 80 homes where children reside. That study, published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, found nicotine on surfaces in all of the children's homes and detected the presence of a tobacco-specific carcinogen (called NNK) in nearly half of the homes. The results of this study were covered by U.S. News and World Report and also covered locally.
Merianos is also an affiliate member of the Thirdhand Smoke Research Consortium.
Featured image at top of vape pen courtesy of UnSplash/vapeclubmy
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Cincinnati researchers want to know if MRIs can work better
June 28, 2024
WVXU and the Cincinnati Business Courier highlighted a new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, UC Health GE HealthCare, JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s to create an MRI Research and Development Center of Excellence located on UC’s medical campus.
UC 1819 Innovation Hub workshop spreads AI awareness
June 28, 2024
Microsoft and Disrupt Now joined forces to run a June 24-27 seminar at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub teaching Cincinnati residents how to responsibly use AI.
UC opens Blood Cancer Healing Center
June 28, 2024
Media outlets including WLWT, Local 12, Spectrum News, the Cincinnati Enquirer and Cleveland.com highlighted the opening of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's Blood Cancer Healing Center.
Financial factors to consider when moving
June 27, 2024
Moving can be a stressful and expensive endeavor. When it comes time to move, there are important financial implications to consider, Gary Painter, PhD, the academic director of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business real estate program and a professor of real estate, told USA Today.
New project aims to better support teen mothers in Adams County
June 27, 2024
WCPO highlighted a partnership between the University of Cincinnati and the Adams County Health Department that is aiming to provide better support for teen mothers in the county.
Free Wi-Fi, work area coming to Greater Cincinnati
June 27, 2024
St. Lawrence Park in Price Hill now has free Wi-Fi and a furnished outdoor space for community members to access digital needs. The space is part of The Nodes Project, which stands for “Neighborhoods of Design Engagement": a collaboration between UC DAAP communication designers and community entities.
Study aimed at reducing opioid overdose deaths presents results
June 27, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's John Winhusen and Caroline Freiermuth discussed the evidence-based practices implemented during the HEALing Communities Study to fight the opioid epidemic with Spectrum News.
University of Cincinnati, UC Health collaborate with GE HealthCare on MRI research center
June 26, 2024
The University of Cincinnati and UC Health are collaborating with GE HealthCare, JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s to create an MRI Research and Development Center of Excellence located on UC’s medical campus.
The health impact of living near a natural gas leak
June 25, 2024
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Amy Townsend-Small talks to the BBC about the health issues faced by neighbors of leaking natural gas wells.
Male birth control gel inches towards FDA approval
June 25, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Wesley Baas spoke with Yahoo News and the Cincinnati Enquirer about a new male birth control gel that could be close to receiving FDA approval.