Effects of second-hand smoke inhalation in early life

This assignment explores the effects of second-hand smoke inhalation in early life.

Second-hand smoke is the combination of smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. It is also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or passive smoking. Second-hand smoke exposure is especially harmful to children because their bodies are still developing and they have a higher breathing rate than adults, which means they take in more of the toxic chemicals found in second-hand smoke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory infections, ear problems, and asthma. In fact, exposure to second-hand smoke is responsible for more than 37,000 deaths each year in the United States.

Second-hand smoke exposure can have immediate and long-term effects on a child’s health. Some of the short-term effects include:

• Respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing

• increased mucus production

• increased risk of bronchitis and pneumonia

• exacerbation of asthma symptoms

The long-term effects of second-hand smoke exposure include:

• an increased risk of developing lung cancer

• an increased risk of developing heart disease

Second-hand smoke exposure is completely preventable. The best way to protect your children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke is to never smoke around them. If you are a smoker, quit. If you live with someone who smokes, ask them to smoke outside. And if you are pregnant, do not smoke and do not allow anyone to smoke around you.

Second-hand smoke exposure is a serious health hazard, especially for children. By taking steps to avoid exposure, you can help protect your children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.