Health of Children and Communities - Public Health Awareness Week 2006

Air pollution is a causative factor for asthma in children. Also, according to the APHA, children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke. Some good-to-know facts on children and second hand smoke include:

• Cigarette smoke contains over 400 chemicals, which can be inhaled and are irritating to respiratory tissues.
• Asthma, infection and possibly leukemia and other cancers are more likely to occur in children who spend time around second hand smoke.
• Smoking when pregnant may cause learning and behavorial problems in kids.
• Even if you can’t quit, reducing the amount of second hand smoke in your home will help. Also the sooner you reduce second hand smoke the healthier chances you and your family will have!