Lung Cancer and Exposure to Tobacco Smoke in the Household

To the Editor: Dr. Janerich and his colleagues (Sept. 6 issue) 1 report a significantly increased risk of lung cancer (odds ratio, 2.07; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.16 to 3.68) in men and women who had never smoked but were exposed to smoke for 25 or more smoker-years during childhood and adolescence. Although there was no statistically significant increase in risk for all men and women who never smoked who were exposed during childhood and adolescence, the authors suggest that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in early life increases the risk of lung cancer. This suggestion is unconvincing for a number . . .