Secondhand exposure to methamphetamine and its effects is the topic of the next Science Café, at 7 p.m., May 4, at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. in Omaha. Attendees will hear from Sandra Wells, Ph.D., who will discuss "After the Smoke Clears: Facts and Fiction about Secondhand Meth Exposure.”
Dr. Wells will review the history of methamphetamine use and discuss why secondhand exposure to this drug is an increasing health problem in the United States. Her research focuses on what is known and not known about the health effects of secondhand exposure to methamphetamine and how it affects the respiratory system.
“According to a report from 2006, it is estimated that nearly six percent of the U.S. population ages 12 and older used methamphetamine at least once,” Dr. Wells said. “Both manufacturing and smoking methamphetamine creates the risks of secondhand smoke and residual drug exposures.”
Although there are numerous reports on the overall dangers of methamphetamine use and production, the actual health consequences of secondhand exposure are largely unreported, she said.
Dr. Wells is an assistant professor in the department of environmental, agricultural and occupational health in the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Science Café is a free educational event sponsored by UNMC and other groups to increase the population’s science literacy. Hosted by UNMC, BioNebraska and the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, Science Cafes are held the first Tuesday of each month.
A more scientifically literate populace is a goal in UNMC’s strategic plan. The goal of the committee has been to introduce and get young adults interested in science by presenting it in a casual setting.
Free pizza, provided by the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, will be available for the first 50 people in attendance.
For more information on coming and past Science Cafes in Omaha and Lincoln, visit www.unmc.edu/sciencecafe.
As the state’s only academic health science center, UNMC is on the leading edge of health care. Breakthroughs are possible because hard-working researchers, educators and clinicians are resolved to work together to fuel discovery. In 2009, UNMC’s extramural research support topped $100 million for the first time, resulting in the creation of 3,600 jobs in Nebraska. UNMC’s academic excellence is shown through its award-winning programs, and its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through its commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading health care centers. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 550 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.
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