How does secondhand smoke affect kids?
Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) puts children at risk for serious health problems. Breathing in second-hand smoke is also called “involuntary smoking” or “passive smoking”). Can you imagine giving a cigarette to your two-year-old? The exposures to secondhand smoke can affect children in very similar ways. There are many ways in which children are hurt by secondhand smoke. Smoking around kids puts them at risk for: • Ear infections (which can lead to hearing problems) • Upper respiratory infections • Bronchitis • Pneumonia • Reduced lung function • Asthma Exposure to environmental smoke increases kids’ risk later in life of: • Lung cancer • Heart disease • Cataracts (of the eyes) How can I protect my children from secondhand smoke? Many people believe that ETS won’t be too bad for their kids if they smoke with the window cracked open at home or in the car, or use an air filter or fan. This is not correct. In fact, the Surgeon General says there is no amount of contact with
