Using Machine Learning to Differentiate Second- and Thirdhand Smoke Exposure

April 5, 2023
By Avery Crosley

This study used machine learning techniques to classify children into three different groups of reported tobacco exposure: no tobacco smoke exposure, thirdhand smoke exposure, and second- and thirdhand smoke exposure. Of the 4,485 nonsmoking 3–17 year-olds in the study, the machine learning model reported that 76% of children were classified as no tobacco smoke exposure, 16% were classified as thirdhand smoke exposed, and 8% were classified as mixed second- and thirdhand smoke exposed.

Compared to the true results from biomarkers taken from the children, the prediction model reported accuracies of 100% for no tobacco smoke exposure, 88% for thirdhand smoke exposed, and 71% for mixed second-and thirdhand smoke exposed. This new technique may help us better understand complicated exposure, such as when children are exposed to both second- and thirdhand smoke exposure.

Image: Merianos et. al. (2023). Distinguishing Exposure to Second- and Thirdhand Smoke among U.S. Children Using Machine Learning: NHANES 2013−2016. Environ. Sci. Technol., 57, 5, 2042–2053

Click here to read the research study.

More Must Read Stories

a strip mall with Oasis Cigar Lounge and Coronato Pizza

The Pandemic Couldn’t Bring this Pizza Spot Down. But Tobacco Did.

Two neighboring businesses tried to support their community, but cigar smoke intrusion got in the way.

A row of apartments on a sunny day. The image has the title “The California Fair Employment and Housing Act Can Help Tenants Avoid Second- and Thirdhand Smoke.”

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act Can Help Tenants in Multiunit Housing Avoid Second- and Thirdhand Smoke

Do you live in California and have medical conditions made worse by from tobacco smoke intrusion? If you live in multiunit housing, you may be able to get help from California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

A wooden decoration that says “home” and a set of house keys lie on a table. A question about the smoking history on the Seller Property Questionnaire is in the bottom right corner.

What can I do to Avoid Thirdhand Smoke when Buying a House in California?

A team at the Thirdhand Smoke Resource Center examined home disclosure documents commonly used in San Diego to see how well they inform buyers about the smoking history of their potential home.

Children’s Hands Can Tell us if They were Exposed to Thirdhand Smoke

A recent study from San Diego State University suggests that nicotine on the hands of children is one of the most effective ways to measure children’s thirdhand smoke exposure over time and in different environments. In collaboration with colleagues at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the researchers