Secondhand smoke
Contains over 4,000 chemicals, more than 60 of which are known to cause cancer.
Children who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to develop ear infections, allergies, bronchitis, pneumonia, and more severe asthma. Secondhand smoke can even lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The 2006 Surgeon General’s Report states that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
The four myths of secondhand smoke
The distance myth
If I smoke on the other side of the room or in another room area am I protecting my children?
The truth is when you smoke in your home or in your car; there is no safe distance between your smoke and your children. Because air circulates throughout your house, smoking anywhere in your home is the same as smoking everywhere in your home.
The ventilation myth
Isn’t it safer for my children when I smoke near an open window or turn on a fan?
The truth is none of these actions can effectively remove the poisonous chemicals in secondhand smoke from the air. In fact, not even the most expensive air-filtration systems that money can buy are able to clear the air of the toxins in secondhand smoke.
The odor myth
When the smell of smoke is gone from the air isn’t it safe?
The poisonous chemicals in secondhand smoke stay in the air for more than three hours after a cigarette is extinguished-and they can stay in clothes, furniture, and carpet for weeks. Covering up the odor with air freshener or smoking when no one else around does not keep the air in your home or car safe to breathe.
The quit myth
Isn’t quitting smoking the only effective way to protect my children from secondhand smoke?
While quitting smoking is the only way to completely safeguard your children from secondhand smoke in your home and car, there is another option. You can take one step for your children-step outside anytime you smoke.
Visit www.raisesmokefreekids.com for more information.