People at Greater Risk
Anyone breathing secondhand smoke may experience runny nose, eye irritation, sneezing, headaches and coughing. There are groups of people who may have more severe problems. Those at risk for severe problems are unborn babies and newborns, children and teens and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Keep in mind, however, that everyone exposed to secondhand smoke is at risk.
Pregnant Women and Newborns
When women smoke during pregnancy, the unborn baby receives a lower amount of oxygen and a higher amount of carbon monoxide. This increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth or death in early infancy. Babies exposed to smoke in the womb generally have lower birth weight and shorter length, which increases the risk for many other complications. Pregnant women who stop smoking during their pregnancy decrease the risk of these potential health problems in their babies.
Children and Teens
Countless studies have proven that secondhand smoke affects the health of children. Both the Surgeon General and the EPA strongly urge that no one smoke in the presence of children. Studies show that children exposed to cigarette smoke in the home have more upper respiratory infections and more difficulty recovering from these infections. These children may have more problems with chronic cough and chronic middle-ear infections. Children in households where one or both parents smoke have twice the amount of bronchitis, pneumonia and are hospitalized more frequently before their first birthday than children of non-smoking parents.
If both parents smoke, teens are more likely to become smokers themselves. Teenage smoking is a major health problem. Teenagers tend to underestimate how addictive smoking can be. There is concern that some teenagers may become addicted with smoking only one pack of cigarettes.
People With Asthma, COPD and Other Respiratory Conditions
Secondhand smoke is a strong respiratory irritant and can cause or worsen respiratory conditions. With asthma, secondhand smoke is a serious trigger. Smoking in any room in the home, in the car and/or smoke odor on clothing, skin and hair can be enough to cause asthma symptoms. Studies have shown that children with asthma who are exposed to secondhand smoke require more asthma medicines, have more emergency room visits and lower lung function. Studies show it may be a major factor in the development of asthma in children under five.
It is very important that someone with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) quit smoking and also not be exposed to secondhand smoke. COPD includes illnesses such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause someone with COPD to have more shortness of breath, more coughing and more mucus.
This information has been apporved by David Tinkelman, MD (February 2006).
