Children are especially vulnerable to Second Hand Smoke

By: Jody Kugler, Health Education Specialist

Truth told, quitting smoking is not easy. While about 21% of Colorado’s population uses cigarettes, a recent marketing study found that about 98% of all Colorado residents are aware that the second hand smoke is harmful to children and babies. Despite the general knowledge, adults continue to expose children to second hand smoke in automobiles and in their homes.

Many people are surprised to know that the smoke coming from the burning end of the cigarette contains the more potent amounts of toxic elements and other environmental pollutants than the exhaled smoke. Both sources create Second Hand Smoke, or SHS. SHS is a mix of more than 4,000 chemical compounds; over 60 of them are known to cause cancer. SHS comes from the smoke exhaled from the smoker’s lungs and from the smoke from the burning end of the cigarette.

Smoking indoors creates six times more pollutants than a busy highway. Smoking in a vehicle, even with the window open, creates twenty-three times the pollutants. When children are present in these polluted environments, they are more vulnerable to the effects of SHS than adults are. It takes at least three hours to clear the air of airborne chemicals and pollutants. Some parents try to reduce the SHS exposure by “ventilating the room”. Their good intentions are not necessarily reducing the exposure, however. Opening a window in the car or in the house while smoking, does not prevent the pollutants from entering the air. Studies have shown that “ventilation” in those cases just scatters or spreads the smoke within the enclosed area. A recent study published in “Pediatrics, April 2004”, demonstrated that smoking outdoors with the doors closed was the most effective way to protect children from SHS exposure. Smoking by an open door or a fan did not reduce the exposure sufficiently.

Children are growing and, per pound of weight, drink more water, eat more food, and breathe more air than adults. Therefore, in a smoke-filled room or car, children absorb greater doses than adults do. Based on body weight, an infant inhales twice the air as a resting adult. In addition, the breathing zones of children are closer to the floor, where heavier chemicals tend to accumulate. Chemicals and pollutants accumulate in carpets, fabrics, and hard surfaces as well. Children eat, play, crawl, sit and sleep on these very surfaces. Children’s exposure is involuntary. Most children cannot decide where they live, eat and play and many are not able to escape smoke-filled environments.

Not only are the children breathing in more smoke than adults are, but developmentally, children’s bodies are not able to break down chemicals and pollutants as adults would. Detoxifying enzyme systems develop throughout childhood, so the ability to break down chemicals becomes more enhanced with age. One in five children in the United States is exposed to second hand smoke. Exposure occurs primarily in the home, although children’s exposure outside the home must also be considered.

In their homes, children depend on their parents’ good will to reduce their SHS exposures. By following these guidelines, parents, caregivers and family members that smoke will also be reducing their own likeliness for severe tobacco related illnesses and diseases:

  1. Never smoke in an automobile used to transport children and teens, even when they are not present.
  2. Smoke only outside when at home, away from vents and windows.
  3. Use a “smoking jacket” that is kept outside to avoid chemicals absorbing into clothing that babies and children will be exposed to.
  4. Wash hands and face after smoking.
  5. Get rid of any used cigarettes lying on the ground in areas where children play near you home.
  6. Dispose of cigarette butts in a safe place away from children.
  7. Never let a babysitter, caregiver or family member smoke near your child.
  8. Talk to friends and family members about doing the same things to protect your children.

Weld County Tobacco Program and The American Lung Association of Colorado have resources for both smokers and non-smokers to educate and support people in their efforts to reduce the exposure of children to second hand smoke.

Resources are also available at the Colorado QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Also, visit www.co.quitnet.com .