The aim of this pilot project is to explore environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure among children in Cluj County, Romania. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a known human carcinogen, being classified as the second most common human exposure to carcinogen after sun exposure. Children are especially vulnerable to ETS, as they are most often unable to protect themselves from the harmful effects of passive smoking. Furthermore, their exposure to ETS has been associated with several diseases like a range of respiratory infections, middle ear diseases, initiation as well as aggravation of asthma symptoms, sudden infant death syndrome, increased risk of lung cancer development in adulthood, as well as slight neuro-developmental problems. As a result, this study tries to explore this issue, in order to render a comprehensive image of determinants as well as barriers in protecting children from ETS, and ultimately develop a set of guidelines for a culturally responsive intervention in Cluj county.

Specific objectives:

• to determine the prevalence of ETS exposure among children aged 11-12 years of age, in Cluj county, Romania
• to explore predictors for ETS exposure in urban and rural settings in Cluj county
• to pilot test an instrument for assessing children’s exposure to ETS in Romania
• to develop a set of guidelines for developing a culturally-responsive intervention to promote ETS-free homes for children in Cluj county, with the potential for replication at a national level.