Overview
Children are vulnerable to secondhand smoke because their lungs are still developing; they breathe faster than adults; and cannot control their indoor environment.
Secondhand smoke can:
- Cause asthma in children who have not previously exhibited symptoms and trigger or worsen symptoms in children with asthma.
- Increase the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Increase the risk for middle ear infections.
- Impairs a child's ability to learn.
- Tobacco-related health problems are major contributors to missed school days.
What can you do?
- Make your home and car smoke-free.
- Until you quit, smoke outside. Moving to another room or opening a window is not enough.
- If you must smoke, limit smoking to outings, such as checking the mail.
- Don't allow others to smoke inside your home.
- Remove ashtrays. Throw away lighters, cigarettes, and matches, or keep them out of sight.
