Second-hand Smoke and Children

Second-hand smoke is the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, e-cigarette, vape, cigar, or pipe as well as the smoke that a smoker breathes out. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke breathe the same dangerous chemicals that smokers inhale. Some of these chemicals are found in chemical weapons, lighter fluids and paint thinners. Some of these chemicals can cause cancer. Second-hand smoke is a serious health concern.

1. Don’t smoke and if you do consider quitting. For quitting advice please visit www.smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669.)
2. The home is the place where children are most exposed to second-hand smoke. Please be sure to keep your home smoke-free. Do not let anyone smoke in the house, in the car, or around your child.
3. Cigarette smoke lands on clothing, furniture, and children’s toys. Your child can still breathe in these poisonous chemicals even if the smoking happens while the child is not home.
4. Keeping rooms ventilated or smoking in another room will not protect your child from second-hand smoke.
5. Second-hand smoke can cause breathing problems like coughing, wheezing, and feeling short of breath.
6. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at a greater risk for ear infections and are more likely to need an operation to insert ear tubes.
7. Second-hand smoke can cause asthma attacks to occur more often and to be more serious.
8. Before coming near a child, smokers should wash their hands and change their clothing, especially before coming near a child.

Helpful Resources for Quitting Smoking

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults