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Danger to Children
“The scientific evidence is now indisputable: secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance. It is a serious health hazard that can lead to disease and premature death in children and nonsmoking adults.”– U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S. (June 2006)
Because their lungs are still forming, children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke have smaller lungs and are more likely to suffer from a range of health problems, including pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing, coughing, ear infections and asthma attacks. In infants, exposure to secondhand smoke results in weaker lungs and increased danger of SIDS. To protect your children:- Don’t allow anyone to smoke around them.
- Don’t take them to public places that allow smoking.
- Talk to them about the dangers and make them aware of the importance of avoiding exposure.
- Support policies that prohibit smoking in public places.
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Links
March of Dimes
Secondhand Smoke and Children
How secondhand smoke endangers children, and how you can protect them.
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