The national Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute (FAMRI) supports the multi-project FAMRI Bland Lane Center of Excellence on Secondhand Smoke.
The goals of the FAMRI Bland Lane Center of Excellence on Second Hand Smoke at UCSF are to identify relationship between SHS exposure and pulmonary disease progression; develop methods for early detection of SHS-related cardiovascular disease; assess impact of SHS exposure on patients with pulmonary disease, develop novel biomarkers of SHS exposure with validation in relation to disease progression; identify factors that influence the development and implementation of smoking restriction policies, and strategies to overcome barriers; and to estimate the economic impact of SHS on cardiovascular disease in the U.S. The led by Dr. Neal Benowitz, center consists of a research clinic and scientists conducting research in areas of second hand smoke and pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, exposure assessment, health, economics and public policy. (Individual projects are described below.)
FAMRI was created through a settlement of a class action lawsuit against tobacco companies on behalf of flight attendants who sustained health problems due to exposure to second hand smoke in their job.
Inquiries for the center may be directed to Paula Tarr.
The Center of Excellence on Second Hand Smoke at UCSF is conducting an online secondhand smoke registry for flight attendants. If you are a flight attendant, over the age of 40 with a minimum of 5 years flight experience, please click here and fill out this questionnaire on your health and (if any) secondhand smoke exposure history, so that we can learn more about the effects of secondhand smoke exposure on your health. For information about the FAMRI Clinic at UCSF, including the nature of the examination and testing and how to make an appointment, click here.
Our investigators and the general area of their research are as follows.
Pulmonary Research
John Balmes, MD
Paul Blanc, MD, MSPH
Suzaynn Schick, PhD
Cardiovascular Research
Mehrdad Arjomandi, MD
Warren Gold, MD
Rita Redberg, MD
Exposure Assessment Research
Neal L. Benowitz, MD
S. Katharine Hammond, PhD
Peyton Jacob, PhD
Policy Research
Lisa Bero, PhD
Dorie Apollonio, PhD
Donna Odierna, PhD
Wendy Max, PhD
Hai-Yen Sung, PhD
Genetic Research
Esteban Burchard, MD, MPH
Research
Using a controlled exposure system, we are studying the effects of SHS on the upper and lower airways in healthy subjects and subjects with allergic rhinitis or asthma. We will also be studying the effects of 4 consecutive days of SHS exposure.
Assistant Professor In-Residence of Medicine
This is an observational study to determine the long-term respiratory effects of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) in pre-smoking ban flight attendants via study of lung function and radiographic evidence of emphysema, and their association with estimates of cabin SHS exposure.
Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Institute for Health Policy, UCSF
This project focuses on the role of evidence in the development of smoking restriction legislation and ergonomic regulations.
Professor of Medicine, Endowed Chair Occupational and Environmental Medicine
The major goal of the project in this center award is to assess secondhand smoke exposure effects longitudinally among an older cohort with COPD. In the FLOW cohort study, we aim to elucidate how SHS exposure adversely affects patients with COPD. Specifically, we will delineate the longitudinal impact of SHS exposure on pulmonary function decline among adults with COPD. The project will also evaluate the prospective impact of SHS exposure on the risk of functional limitation and disability in COPD.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
We are studying the effects of both active smoking and secondhand smoke exposure on susceptibility to acute lung injury, a major cause of respiratory failure among critically ill patients.
Current research, as a member of the FAMRI (Flight Attendants Medical Research Institute) Center of Excellence, with Principal Investigator Neal Benowitz, examines the long-term effects of second hand cigarette smoke on flight attendants. Pilot studies have shown that 40% of nonsmoking flight attendants who worked on commercial airlines prior to the ban on cigarette smoking developed diffusion defects. These diffusion defects are associated with airway obstruction and air trapping.
Assistant Adjunct Professor of Medicine
Professor Suzaynn Schick is recruiting healthy nonsmokers who are not exposed to SHS in daily life to study the effects of acute exposure to SHS on nasal congestion.
Adjunct Professor, Institute for Health & Aging
The project examines the exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) among U.S. adults and children, and quantifies the economic burden of the SHS exposure in terms of healthcare costs and lost productivity from lost time and premature mortality. It also assesses the impact of exposure to SHS on two particularly vulnerable populations – African Americans and Hispanics.
Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, UC Berkeley
The goals are to identify relationship between SHS exposure and pulmonary disease progression; develop methods for early detection of SHS-related cardiovascular disease; assess impact of SHS exposure on patients with pulmonary disease develop novel biomarkers of SHS exposure with validation in relation to disease progression; identify factors that influence the development and implementation of smoking restriction policies, and strategies to overcome barriers; and to estimate the economic impact of SHS on cardiovascular disease in the U.S. (UC San Francisco/FAMRI)
