Secondhand smoke and children

  Find out more about how secondhand smoke affects babies and children

Find out more about how secondhand smoke affects babies and children. The effects of secondhand smoke on children can be more serious because their bodies are still developing.

A high percentage of children live in a home where someone smokes. Despite nearly a half of smokers admitting they disapprove of smoking cigarettes with a child present in a room or car, the second half continues to do so.

What’s wrong with secondhand smoke?

Secondhand smoke contains poisonous gases, tar and thousands of toxic chemicals. These poisons get into the bodies of children who live in smoky atmospheres. Children are even more sensitive to smoke than adults as their bodies are young and still developing. It is not safe for children to be in a room where someone is smoking even if the room is not smoky as 85% of smoke is invisible and odourless.

How does secondhand smoke harm children?

Babies and children exposed to a smoky atmosphere are:

* Twice as likely to have asthma attacks and chest infections
* More likely to need hospital care in their first year of life
* Off sick from school more often
* More likely to get more coughs, colds and wheezes

Medical research also shows they have:

* Much higher risk of cot death than the children of non-smokers
* Increased risk of meningitis
* More chance of getting ear infections and ’glue ear’, which can lead to partial deafness

What can you do to protect babies and children?

You can help protect them by keeping their playing, sleeping and eating areas completely smoke free.

* Always smoke outside well away from children
* When out and about with the family, find non-smoking areas

What can I do if my family and friends are smokers?

Let them know before they visit that you are keeping your home smoke free for your children’s health. Ask if they would help by smoking outside or before they visit. Explain that children get ill through secondhand smoke.

What else can I do?

The best thing you can do to protect your children is to give up smoking. Making your home smoke free is a great start.

What about car journeys?

Secondhand smoke gets even more concentrated inside a car. You can reduce children’s travel sickness and make a positive difference to their health if you avoid smoking when they travel with you.

* On short trips, smoke before you set off, rather than in the car
* On longer trips, stop and smoke outside away from the children

How can I discourage my children from wanting to smoke?

Research shows that children who live with smokers are much more likely to start themselves. Smoking is a difficult habit to break, so it is important to encourage children never to start.

Who else can help?

Your doctor, practice nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist can also provide advice on stopping smoking. Ask them about nicotine gum and patches on prescription.

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