Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is smoke from burning tobacco, which includes cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. It is important to understand that there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure. Even a short exposure can have harmful effects on the health of children. Additionally, harmful toxins remain in hair, clothing, carpet, and upholstery in places where people smoke.

Effects of Secondhand Smoke

Children’s bodies are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.

The short term effects of secondhand smoke in children include:

• Ear infections
• Asthma attacks
• Respiratory symptoms and infections (such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing, phlegm, and bronchitis)
• Increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Tooth decay
• Prolonged illnesses and increased school absences

The long term effects of secondhand smoke in children include:

• Poor lung development
• Lung cancer
• Heart disease
• Cataracts

How to Protect Your Child from Secondhand Smoke

In order to eliminate the risk of exposure to secondhand smoke, all members of the household need to stop smoking. The home and car need to be smoke free zones. Additionally, ensure childcare environments (daycare and babysitters) are smoke free and keep children away from places where smoking is allowed.

Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics – The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/tobacco/Pages/Dangers-of-Secondhand-Smoke.aspx

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Secondhand Smoke Facts

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/general_facts/index.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Smoking and Tobacco Use in Children in the Home

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/secondhand_smoke/children-home/index.htm

Lexi Abel is a Nurse Practitioner at Allegro Pediatrics.