Montse Ballbè, research psychologist at the Tobacco Control Unit of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), took part on November 4 in a training session organized by ASH Scotland focusing on smoking and e-cigarette use during pregnancy.
In her presentation, titled “Breathing for Two: Passive Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke and E-Cigarette Aerosol”, Ballbè highlighted the consequences of passive exposure to tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosols, with a particular focus on the risks for pregnant women and their unborn children. She also presented the only study to date on passive exposure to e-cigarettes during pregnancy, conducted under her leadership at ICO, and discussed the impact of smoke-free legislation on public health.
The session, moderated by Sheila Duffy, director of ASH Scotland, featured other expert speakers, including Marianne White, a midwife, who shared findings from a National Health Service project on supporting pregnant women who smoke, and Scott Hogg, a general practitioner, who addressed clinical approaches to managing nicotine use during pregnancy.
ASH Scotland is the leading charity in Scotland dedicated to promoting a healthier nation, free from the harms and inequalities associated with tobacco and related products. The organization advocates for stronger tobacco control measures and smoke-free spaces to safeguard public health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children. During the session, ASH Scotland also introduced new resources aimed at professionals working with expectant mothers and their families.