According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a 2006 Surgeon General's report revealed that 60 percent of American children between ages 3 to 11 are exposed to secondhand smoke. The report further states that young children and infants are especially vulnerable to the potentially harmful and lasting effects of secondhand smoke because their bodies are still developing (see Reference 1).
SIDS
Babies exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk for sudden infant death Syndrome, or SIDS. According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, babies die of SIDS more often when exposed to secondhand smoke.
Breathing Problems
Babies breathe faster than adults, thus they can breathe in more secondhand smoke than adults. Secondhand smoke causes a baby's tiny airways to narrow and make breathing difficult (see Reference 2). The lungs of a baby exposed to secondhand smoke tend to be weaker than those of other babies, which increase their risk for health issues later on.
Higher Infection Risk
Babies who inhale secondhand smoke are prone to have more allergies, colds and other respiratory ailments during their first year, which can be costly in the form of medical expenses (see Reference 2). Babies exposed to secondhand smoke also have more ear infections and are more likely to require the insertion of an ear tube for drainage.
Respiratory Problems
Secondhand smoke can cause pneumonia and bronchitis in infants. Asthmatic symptoms in infants are aggravated by secondhand smoke, and secondhand smoke can increase the frequency and severity of attacks (see Reference 1).
Considerations
According to the Surgeon General's report cited on the CDC's website, no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure exists. Avoiding or eliminating smoking indoors--particularly in the home and in vehicles--is the only surefire way to protect your baby from secondhand smoke exposure. Smoking in a room with an open window or fan is not sufficient enough, because secondhand smoke lingers long after smoking has stopped.
What You Can Do
Keep your vehicle and home smoke-free at all times. Ask family or friends to refrain from smoking around your children. Instruct family members who smoke to go outside to light up. Check with your child's daycare center and ensure that it is 100-percent smoke-free. Choose smoke-free dining establishments when going out to eat. If you smoke, now would be a good time to quit. Kicking the habit yourself may encourage other smoking family members to follow suit, as well as dissuade your children from starting (see Reference 1).
