Recipient of the Julius B. Richmond Center of Excellence Visiting Professorship

Mary Cataletto, MD, MMM, FAAP

Mary Cataletto, MD, MMM, FAAP

(Dr. Mary Cataletto, MD, MMM, FAAP, FCCP is a pediatric pulmonologist and Associate Director of Pediatric Sleep Medicine at NYU Winthrop Hospital.  She is chair elect for Pediatric Chest Medicine NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians and past chair of the Asthma Coalition of Long Island.  She is the Nassau Pediatric Society Representative to NYS AAP Chapter 2.)

This year’s award for the Julius B. Richmond Center of Excellence Visiting Professorship went to NYS AAP Chapter 2 serving the Pediatric Societies of Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk.  The award, funded through a grant from the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute brings together tobacco control experts with pediatric organizations and training programs throughout the country. We were honored to host Dr. Karen Wilson as our visiting professor.  Dr. Wilson is the Debra and Leon Black Division Chief of General Pediatrics and Vice Chair for Clinical and Translational Research for the Department of Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

In a series of three sessions over 200 community and academic pediatricians, fellows, residents and students had the opportunity to learn more about the impact of targeted marketing and deleterious health effects of e-cigarettes on adolescents, the impact of second and third hand smoke exposure and motivational interviewing to engage appropriate parents in smoking cessation discussions. There is clear evidence at all ages and developmental stages that exposure to tobacco is harmful.  Prenatal exposures have been associated with preterm birth, low birth weight and sudden infant death. During childhood increase rates of asthma, ear infections and pneumonia are well described.  There is no safe lower limit for tobacco smoke exposure.  Pediatricians are encouraged to advocate for smoke free environments for all children.

Tips for pediatricians to share with parents include:

  • Set a good example by not smoking
  • If you are a smoker, there are effective strategies to help you succeed in stopping
  • Keep your home and care smoke free
  • Work with your school and child care to keep play areas smoke free

While teen use of traditional cigarettes is declining, electronic cigarettes are on the rise. Targeted marketing, addition of flavors and the misconception that electronic cigarettes are a “safe alternative” contribute to changing trends.  Also known as e-cigs, e-hookahs, vapes, mods and ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems) these devices are not regulated and can contain nicotine, carcinogens and other toxic chemicals.  Nicotine is highly addictive and has harmful effects on adolescent brain development as well as to pregnant women and developing fetuses.  Multiple studies have shown that teens who use e-cigarettes are at higher risk for regular tobacco use in the future.

Key messages for pediatricians to share with parents and teens:

  • E-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to traditional tobacco products
  • There is no safe lower limit for exposure to nicotine in children
  • Teen users have a higher risk of nicotine addiction and higher rates of becoming long term tobacco smokers
  • Advocate for inclusion of e-cigarettes in tobacco free school legislation and prohibition of use in outdoor areas and locations where children may be present
  • Support ban on promotion and sale of e-cigarettes to children
  • Talk to your teen