Secondhand Smoke
and your Child
What is secondhand smoke?
A mixture of smoke given off by the burning end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar, and the smoke
blown out of the lungs. There are more than 250 harmful chemicals in secondhand smoke.
Studies show that there is not a risk-free level of contact. Even brief contact can make a child
sick.
Secondhand smoke and the harmful chemicals in it can cause:
•
Respiratory infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis
•
Asthma attacks
•
Ear infections
•
A higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Infants and young children are still growing new lung tissue.
This makes their lungs very sensitive to smoke. Unborn babies’ lungs are even affected when
their moms smoke.
How can I help?
• Never smoke around children.
• Explain that your home is smoke-free; most guests are willing to smoke outside. Ask
them to stay at least 20 feet from entryways.
This handout is for your general information only. The lists above are guidelines and do not include all symptoms.
This document is not a substitute for your child being seen by a doctor. Always call your child’s doctor if you have
any questions or problems. If your child’s condition gets worse, call your child’s doctor or go to the emergency department.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
One Children’s Place
St. Louis MO 63110
R5515 10-2015
Secondhand Smoke
and your Child
• Avoid bringing chemicals from tobacco smoke into the
house by wearing a smoking jacket or robe over your
clothes when you smoke outside. Leave the jacket at the
door or in the garage.
• Smoke outside the home, even when the kids are not
there. Smoke can leave harmful chemicals in carpet, on
furniture and on curtains.
• Do not smoke in your car. Let riders know in advance that
they cannot smoke in your car.
Support friends and family who are trying to quit smoking.
• Call your local American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872). The
Lung Association is offering a new way to stop smoking through its Freedom From
Smoking® online smoking cessation clinic. Visit www.ffsonline.org
• Call the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Family Resource Center at 314.454.2350 or email us
at [email protected] for more information about smoking cessation.
• Call 314.454.KIDS(5437), option 4 for more information about teen programs in our
area.
Adapted from the Center for Disease Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on
Smoking and Health, Second Hand Smoke Infographic, 2015
This handout is for your general information only. The lists above are guidelines and do not include all symptoms.
This document is not a substitute for your child being seen by a doctor. Always call your child’s doctor if you have
any questions or problems. If your child’s condition gets worse, call your child’s doctor or go to the emergency department.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
One Children’s Place
St. Louis MO 63110
R5515 10-2015