Children at risk
- they breathe faster than adults, inhale more air compared to their body weight and therefore absorb more dangerous chemicals than adults;
- their immune systems are not yet fully developed
When you smoke inside, your child smokes too.
Children are particularly vulnerable to experiencing health problems if they are exposed to second-hand smoke because:
Babies exposed to second-hand smoke have a higher risk of dying from sudden infant death syndrome.
Children who often breathe second-hand smoke run a greater risk of having respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis, and also of suffering from learning disabilities, ear infections and colds.
Exposure to second-hand smoke affects your child’s health and well-being, regardless of his or her age. For example, exposure to smoke during childhood could increase the risks that he or she will suffer from cancer or cardiovascular disease as an adult.
The most effective strategy to protect children from the health risks of second-hand smoke is to ensure that their living environment (home and car) is smoke-free.
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