PASSIVE SMOKING AND CONTACT CONTAMINATION

August 31, 2020 /

Written by Caroline Meyer

We know that smoking is bad during pregnancy and smoking around children is bad, but what is second and third hands smoke and what is its effect on our children? 

Second-hand smoke is a combination of the smoke that is breathed out by the smoker and the smoke that comes from the burning cigarette itself. The most common way for children to come into contact with second-hand smoke is when family, parents and family friends are smoking. When a person breathes in second-hand smoke, it is also called passive smoking.  

When someone smokes in an area, smoking residue lands on almost all surfaces, this is known as third-hand smoke. Surfaces include hair, clothing, skin, flooring and furniture. This means that even after adults have finished their cigarette, babies and children will still be exposed to these harmful toxins. Third-hand smoke cannot be removed by opening windows, airing out rooms, using air conditioners and fans or even by limiting the areas in a home where smoking is allowed. 

The risks associated with second-hand and third-hand smoke exposure are much higher for babies and children. The reason for this is that children’s airways are in the process of developing and are much smaller than those of an adult. Another reason is that an adult’s immune system is more mature than those of children and infants. Babies and children are also more susceptible to toxin exposure due to them generally being close to or on the floor. They also put their toys and hands, and therefore the toxins accumulated on the floor, into their mouths. 

When children are exposed to second-hand smoke, the risk of diseases and early death are increased. An example is how inhalation of second-hand smoke can cause a baby’s breathing and heart rate to be impaired, thus the babies’ risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is increased. This also applies when the unborn baby is exposed to second-hand smoke through the mother. The risk of SIDS increases with the increase of second-hand smoke exposure. Swelling and irritation of their airways can also be caused from being exposed to second-hand smoke. Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are at a higher risk of developing respiratory and other health problems in comparison to those who aren’t. Some examples of these issues include: 

  • Asthma 
  • Bronchiolitis 
  • Bronchitis 
  • Childhood cancers, such as leukemia 
  • Croup 
  • Ear infections 
  • Meningococcal disease (including meningitis and septicaemia) 
  • Pneumonia 
  • Tonsillitis 

The brain is highly sensitive to even a small amount of toxins; therefore, the developing brain is likely to be affected when exposed to second-hand and third-hand smoke. The risks associated with exposure are even higher when the child has existing lung or health disorders. Children living with one or more smokers tend to visit the doctor more often than other children, and the chance that they will pick up the habit doubles increasing their risks of respiratory related diseases and cancers later in life. 

The first, and best, way to protect your child from the dangers of second-hand and third-hand smoke exposure, is to quit smoking and encourage other adults who come into contact with your child to also quit. This option not only reduces your child’s exposure to the toxins from cigarettes, but also gives them role models who do not smoke. However, if other people in your household smoke or you are not willing to quit, there are other options that will ensure some reduction in your child’s exposure to smoke. 

  • Firstly, it is important to make sure that the environment your child is in is smoke-free. This means people are not smoking near your child, in your house or car. It also means that you should ensure that even when your child is not at home, they are not being exposed to smoke, such as at a friend’s house or babysitter. You and other smokers will have to smoke a distance away from your child, never in an enclosed area. Simply blowing smoke away from the child will not stop the harmful effects. Smoke outside of the home and away from the children to reduce exposure to the smoke.
  • You should never allow smoking in a car where children are carried. Opening a window does not stop your child from being exposed to the smoke. Do not smoke in your own car and do not allow your child to travel in a car where the other occupants smoke. 
  • The best thing to do is to keep the child’s environment smoke-free by insisting that no one smokes in your house, car or around your child. It is also up to you to reduce your child’s exposure from other people outside your home. 

Your child’s health and safety are extremely important and reducing the risk of disease should be high priority. Avoiding exposure to smoking as well as second and third hand smoke can go a long way to removing a potential problem that can cause life-long damage.