Children are at particular risk of the damaging effects of secondhand smoke because their lungs are still developing, they breathe faster and they have immature immune systems.  This makes them more vulnerable to effects of secondhand smoke than adults.

Some facts about secondhand smoke and children 

Children can actually breathe in around 150 cigarettes a year when adults smoke around them.

Each day in Britain fifty children under the age of five are admitted to hospital because of the effects of secondhand smoke.

Children learn habits from the people closest to them. If they live with someone who smokes they are 3 times more likely to smoke themselves when they grow up.

Infants inhale double the amount of household dust compared to adults and so inhale more dust containing secondhand smoke toxins. Infants also have greater hand/ object /mouth contact and so absorb more secondhand smoke toxins through ingestion, as well as through inhalation.

Why are we worried about the dangers to children?

Children and babies who live in homes or travel in cars where people smoke have a greater chance of:

• Becoming ill with coughs and ear infections
• Suffering from on-going chest problems such as wheezing, asthma and bronchitis

• Dying from cot death (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) 

What can I do to keep my family safe from secondhand smoke?

• Make your home a smoke free home and ask friends and family to smoke outside
• Avoid smoking or allowing other people to smoke in your car at all times

Fact: Children learn habits from the people closest to them and if they live with someone who smokes they are three times more likely to smoke themselves when they grow up.              

Some common beliefs about secondhand smoke:   

False: Opening windows and doors, or restricting smoking to one room in the house will get rid of secondhand smoke.

False: Once smoke has visibly cleared from the room, the danger from secondhand smoke has gone.

False: I wind down the windows in my car and try to blow the smoke out so the smoke isn't in the car at all.

Fact: all secondhand smoke is a danger - not just the smoke we can see in the air. We actually can't see 85% of secondhand smoke.

Fact: The only way to fully protect your family from secondhand smoke is to smoke outside.


"We are making the choice to smoke and they haven't. They are having to take it (secondhand smoke) whether they like it or not." (Mother from Glasgow who smokes)
 

Lots of people would like to smoke outside but say that it can be difficult for lots of reasons, so what can you do?

• Think about different things you can do to reduce the risk of exposing your family to secondhand smoke.
• Think about the benefits for your family.
• Perhaps the first step might be to stop smoking in the car.
• If you smoke and want to cut down, try using nicotine replacement therapy, especially when you are with your children.
• Maybe in time you will also decide to stop smoking altogether. There's lots of help available and we are happy to help. If you would like any help to stop smoking click here.

"It's not a good compromise to smoke in one room, but for me it's a step. If anyone comes into my house and wants to smoke they have to come into my room". (Mother from Glasgow who smokes)

Current papers and research.

Royal College of Physicians

The Tobacco Advisory Group of the Royal College of Physicians launched a report in March 2004 called ' Passive smoking and children'. The survey found that children are particularly vunerable to passive smoke exposure most of which occurs in the home.  For a summary of the report please click here.

ASH Scotland

Funding has been received to carry out research to help reduce children's exposure to secondhand smoke, particularly in deprived communities. For more information click here.