Secondhand Smoke Exposure In Children

What is secondhand smoke exposure?

Secondhand smoke exposure is when someone breathes in secondhand smoke (SHS). SHS is breathed out by a smoker after taking a puff from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. SHS also comes from the end of a lit cigarette, cigar, or pipe.

What causes secondhand smoke exposure in children?

Children can be exposed to SHS any time they are in a place where someone is smoking. They also can be exposed in a place where someone has smoked in the past. This is because SHS particles (tiny fragments) can be found in the air and in dust. These particles can linger on household surfaces, such as counters, carpets, or walls. They also linger on clothes and skin and inside your car. SHS particles can move from room to room and from outside to inside your home. They can stay in your home for weeks or even months after smoking has occurred.

What are the risks of secondhand smoke exposure in children?

SHS contains thousands of chemicals. Any exposure to these chemicals has risks. Risks for children include:

• Asthma: Your child may be at greater risk of having asthma. If your child has asthma, his attacks may be worse. They also may occur more often. Your child may have a greater risk of having asthma as an adult.
  
  
• Respiratory problems: Your child’s lungs may not grow normally. Your child may have respiratory (lung-related) problems. These include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Your child also may have lung infections, such as bronchitis. These problems can lead to respiratory problems when your child is an adult.
  
  
• Ear infections: Your child may have more ear infections. He also may have fluid in his ears more often.
  
  
• Sudden infant death syndrome: Your infant is at greater risk of having sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This is when an infant suddenly dies for no known reason during his first year of life.
  
  
• Cancer: Your child is at greater risk of having lung cancer and certain childhood cancers, such as leukemia. He is also at greater risk of having cancer as an adult.
  
  
• Heart disease: Plaque (a fatty substance) can build up in your child’s blood vessels. Over time, this buildup can lead to heart disease.

Is secondhand smoke exposure more dangerous for children than adults?

Children’s bodies are still growing and are more likely to be harmed by SHS. Children breathe in more air than adults do. This means their bodies are exposed to more harmful chemicals from SHS. Small children also spend a lot of time indoors, where SHS collects. Often, they crawl on the floor and put objects in their mouths. These things may increase children's exposure to SHS.

How can secondhand smoke exposure be prevented?

• Quit smoking. This is the best way to protect your child from SHS. Do not smoke anywhere your child spends time. If you smoke in just one room or smoke outside, it does not protect your child from SHS. It does not protect your child either to keep windows open.
  
  
• Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home or near your children. This includes family and friends.
  
  
• Do not allow your children in places that allow smoking. This includes restaurants and day care centers. Teach your children to avoid SHS.

Where can I find support and more information?

Your caregiver can help you quit smoking. He can tell you more about how smoking harms your health and your child’s health. For more information on quitting smoking, you can also contact the following:

• American Lung Association
  1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
  Washington , DC 20004
  Phone: 1- 202 - 785-3355
  Phone: 1- 800 - 548-8252
  Web Address: www.lung.org
  

• Smokefree.gov
  Phone: 1- 800 - 784-8669
  Web Address: www.smokefree.gov
  

When should I call my caregiver?

Call your caregiver if your child is exposed to SHS, and:

• Your child is coughing, wheezing, or sneezing more than normal.
  
  
• Your child’s asthma symptoms have gotten worse.
  
  
• Your child has more ear infections than usual.

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek immediate help or call 911 if:

• Your child is having trouble breathing.
  
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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