Even with widespread knowledge pertaining to how combustible cigarettes impact the development of youth, along with notable research suggesting various health concerns throughout adulthood, there is still a high percentage of Americans who have built their living conditions around their need for tobacco and nicotine. That being said, since there’s no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure, children who live in cigarette-friendly homes are at a greater risk for an assortment of hazardous health problems.
Secondhand health effects in children
Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause the following health problems in children:
- Ear infections
- Frequent and severe asthma attacks
- Multiple respiratory problems (ex. coughing, sneezing and shortness in breath)
- Respiratory infections (ex. bronchitis and pneumonia)
- Greater risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
What do statistics suggest?
While there are and have always been various studies fluctuating the scale, these statistics say it all:
- About 58 million nonsmokers in the U.S. are exposed to secondhand smoke
- Children who live in apartments or condos have 45% higher cotinine levels (passive tobacco smoke in their blood, saliva and urine)
- 2 out of every 5 children (3 to 11 years in age) are exposed to secondhand smoke regularly
- About 1 in 3 nonsmokers who live in a rental unit are exposed to secondhand smoke
What does this mean?
Although cigarette use in the home and in cars has decreased when compared to prior decades, it’s still a large, nationwide problem, especially when addressing the effects it can have on the health of children. Whether you’re a smoker, a renter, a multi-household dweller or simply someone who invites over guests who smoke, it’s your job to promote child health by decreasing exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Here’s how:
- Quit smoking if you’re not already a nonsmoker
- Do not allow anyone to smoke in or around your home
- Do not allow anyone to smoke in or around your car
- Ensure that your child’s daycare or school is tobacco-free
- Keep your kids away from smoking areas.
- Try using an e-cig as a safer option (ex. EonSmoke Disposable Electronic Cigarettes are prefilled to prevent spillage)
Not only are children at a higher risk when exposed to secondhand smoke, but they’re also more likely to try smoking themselves.
Which EonSmoke Disposable Electronic Cigarette will you be testing out? Drop a comment below to share with our readers.
Alex Wilks is the Social Media & Content Creator for Trek Marketing. Her work has been featured on Global News, Black Press Media, andthe Kwantlen Chronicle
