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Smoking in a car is bad for anyone’s health
– but it is particularly hazardous for children, as their lungs
are still developing and they have higher breathing rates than adults.
In fact, every year up to 26,000 kids develop asthma as a result
of secondhand smoke
MYTH #1: If I open a window in my home or car, I can get rid of
most of my secondhand smoke.*
Fact: Opening a window or aiming your tobacco smoke out a window
isn't enough. Extensive studies have shown that there is no level
of ventilation that will eliminate the harmful effects of secondhand
smoke.footnote 10 Opening a window can also result in airflow back
into the room or car, potentially causing smoke to be blown directly
back at nonsmokers.
MYTH #2: If I smoke when my children aren't home or in the car,
it can't hurt them.*
Fact: Many parents think that it’s all right to smoke when
their children aren’t around. What they may not know is that
secondhand smoke lingers long after they finish a cigarette. In
a recent study, researchers found that secondhand smoke can remain
in contaminated dust and surfaces, even if smoking took place days,
weeks or months earlier.
Make your car smoke-free:
Do not smoke in the car and do not allow others to smoke in your
car.
Hang a sign from the dashboard or on a window, reminding your passengers
not to smoke. Get your sign here.
Empty the ashtray and fill it with sugar-free candies or change.
Wash your car and vacuum all floors and upholstery.
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Why is secondhand smoke in my home bad for my family?
Many people aren’t aware how bad secondhand smoke is for their
health, and why it is so important – even if they smoke –
to keep their homes smoke-free. Others may be aware that secondhand
smoke is a toxic substance, but don’t take the steps necessary
to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Secondhand smoke has direct impacts on the health of your home
and those who live there. Consider the facts:
Children
Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke get more ear infections
and chronic respiratory illnesses.
Secondhand smoke causes sore throats, croup, asthma, bronchitis,
middle ear infections, and reduced lung function.
Nationwide, children exposed to secondhand smoke in the home experience
more days of missed school every year than those not exposed.
Children are more susceptible to symptoms of respiratory irritation
like coughing, excess phlegm, and wheezing.
Secondhand smoke can cause children with asthma or allergies to
have longer and more severe attacks.
Spouses
Secondhand smoke is hazardous to everyone’s health, including
smokers, nonsmokers, and especially women and babies.
Nonsmoking women who live with a spouse who smokes have a 20 percent
greater risk of developing lung cancer.
Pets
Secondhand smoke is linked to negative health effects on household
pets.
Lymphoma – the most common type of cancer in cats – now
is linked to secondhand smoke. Cats that live with people who smoke
are more than twice as likely as other cats to develop feline lymphoma.
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