Today we would like to elaborate on a common question when helping mothers and their families quit smoking. This question is "How does second hand smoke affect my family"?
Second hand smoke contains many toxins which can cause cancer. Some are stronger then others in second-hand smoke then actually smoking a cigarette itself. Second hand smoke may be linked to a number of health effects in children under 18. Here are some of these effects, they include:
1) Croup and Pneumonia 2) Increased Fluid in the middle ear 3) Upper respiratory tract irritations 4) Episodes of asthma
Why are children susceptible to second hand smoke in our homes or in our environment? Children breathe in more air and therefore absorb more tobacco smoke toxins. Their immune system is less protective and they are unable to remove themselves from the exposure.
When pregnant women smoke, the fetus is deprived of oxygen and other nutrients. Some of the detrimental effects of this include, miscarriage, stillbirth, deficits in intellectual ability and behavioral problems, and reduced lung function in the baby.
As for second hand smoke exposure, more research is needed before the full effects can be determined. The best chance for a healthy pregnancy and baby is when pregnant women are not exposed to any tobacco smoke.
