Funding

Tobacco use worldwide remains high, with direct human health impacts and environmental consequences from tobacco product wastes (TPW) such as cigarette butts and spent vaping or e-cigarette devices discarded onto landscapes and into waterways. TPW carries nicotine — a teratogen and developmental toxicant regulated by Proposition 65 in California — into surface waters and into soils that are hydrologically connected to groundwater. Both surface water and groundwater are sources of drinking water in California, and thus could deliver nicotine into humans regardless of individual tobacco product use. Nicotine in source waters is used to produce potable drinking water and thus constitutes a threat to developing fetuses, infants and humans of all ages. Yet there is no systematic understanding of nicotine contamination of either potable (finished) water, or source waters used to produce drinking water in California. This project has three aims. First we would discover and synthesize literature regarding nicotine in drinking water sources and potable water, with an emphasis on Californian studies. Second we would conduct pilot sampling and analysis of source and potable waters to generate preliminary data for select samples. We would then scope a comprehensive future field study of nicotine in California’s source and potable waters where the study goal would be to determine nicotine contamination of waters ultimately consumed by humans in California. The final products would thus be a synthesis of relevant knowledge, preliminary sampling and analysis, and a draft study design for a comprehensive field and laboratory project regarding nicotine in California drinking water.

In the domain of tobacco control, thirdhand smoke (THS) poses a persistent challenge, as its toxic residues linger long after smoking ceases, unlike secondhand smoke (SHS). Despite the effectiveness of smoke-free policies in reducing SHS exposure and healthcare costs in California (CA), THS remains overlooked, with policies failing to address its economic burden and health risks. To comprehensively address THS, the California Tobacco Prevention Program (CTPP) collaborates with local lead agencies and competitive grantees, aiming to tackle tobacco-related challenges. The Thirdhand Smoke Resource Center hosts bi-monthly virtual policy roundtable discussions, bringing together CTPP tobacco control advocates to brainstorm effective strategies for integrating THS information into policy discussions. These discussions cover diverse policy areas, with an aim to empower advocates to advance tobacco control initiatives at local level. Evaluating the influence of these roundtables on CTPP-funded projects is crucial. This qualitative investigation aims to evaluate the extent to which the resources provided promote/influence THS inclusion in scope of work across CTPP-funded projects and in policy conversations, while identifying facilitators and barriers in advancing THS initiatives. Through semi-structured interviews and content analysis of project websites, study data will reveal insights into the effectiveness of THS policy roundtables and areas for improvement. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, these roundtables can play a vital role in advancing THS awareness and initiatives statewide, which highlights the importance of evaluating their influence on THS efforts across CA’s tobacco control landscape.