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Secondhand Smoke Fact Sheets
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smoke exhaled by the person who smokes
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side-stream smoke from the end of a burning
cigarette, cigar, or pipe
The smoker only inhales 15% of the cigarette smoke; the remaining
85% of the smoke is released into the air for others to breathe.
This side-stream smoke has MORE harmful chemicals in it than
the smoke inhaled by the smoker through a filtered cigarette!
There are over 4,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke; 200
are poisons; 43 cause cancer.
NEVER SMOKE AROUND CHILDREN.
Children are especially sensitive to
the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Secondhand Smoke: A Danger to Children
Children are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke.
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Children are growing; they are drinking more
water, eating more food, and breathing more air per pound than
adults.
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Children's lungs aren't fully developed and
can't fight off harmful substances as easily as mature lungs
can.
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Because children's lungs are smaller, their
ability to absorb oxygen can more easily be blocked by the
particles in cigarette smoke.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of:
SMOKING ANYWHERE INSIDE
IS NOT SAFE FOR CHILDREN
The poisonous particles in smoke remain in the
room long after the cigarette has been smoked. You CANNOT protect
children from the dangers of secondhand smoke by opening windows,
using fans or ventilation systems, or smoking only when children
are not directly present.
The only effective way to protect children
is to
create a smoke-free environment.
How Can Parents Protect Their Children?
If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do to protect
your children from the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke.
By quitting, you can also set an example for your children.
As a parent, you are a role model. Stopping smoking today may
help prevent your children from ever starting.
If someone in your household smokes, offer your support and
encouragement to help them quit. Let them know the dangers of
secondhand smoke; tell them that you are concerned about the
children's health and you are willing to help them to quit.
EVEN IF YOU CAN'T QUIT,
YOU
CAN CHOOSE TO SMOKE OUTSIDE.
Choose to protect your children from secondhand smoke:
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Make your home Smoke-Free. Don't allow loved ones or visitors
to smoke in your home. You can discourage smoking by removing
any ashtrays and explaining the facts about secondhand smoke.
If visitors absolutely must smoke, tell them they can do
so outside.
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Don't allow anyone to smoke in your car. Opening the windows
will not rid the air of the dangerous chemicals found in
secondhand smoke.
- Choose a Smoke-Free Child Care facility. CRS is now certifying
family child care homes and child care centers as smoke-free.
You can request referrals for CRS-certified Smoke-Free facilities
when you call the Childcare Resource Service Referral Line at:
1.800.481-2151
Tips for Creating A Smoke-Free Environment
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Clearly post your smoke-free policy.
Put signs on windows, doors, and on your car.
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Remove all ashtrays and lighters from your home.
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Discuss the program with your family and friends. Explain
why you've chosen to make your home smoke-free. Be firm about
your decision, but listen to ideas and suggestions. Everyone
will need to cooperate for success.
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Discuss your plans with the children in your care. Teach them
about smoking and how they can protect themselves.
Role-play with children about how to ask adults to smoke outside.
- Create a pleasant smoking area outside, away from the house.
This will encourage members of your household who must smoke
to do so outside.
CERTIFY YOUR CHILD CARE FACILITY AS
A
SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT!
The Smoke-Free
Child Care Project is funded by the County of San Diego Health
and Human Services Agency.
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