Secondhand smoke and children

By Alan Shelton

For Puyallup Tribal News
Published on: May 29, 2008

By Alan Shelton

Director of Puyallup Tribal Health Authority

According to the latest report from the U.S. Surgeon General, secondhand smoke kills. About 52,000 non-smokers die every year in the United States. Secondhand smoke is the smoke that comes off the burning end of tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars and pipes. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Even brief exposure can cause immediate harm.

Children exposed to secondhand smoke have more lung problems, ear infections and asthma attacks than infants and children not exposed to secondhand smoke.  It also causes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), colds, premature births, bronchitis, pneumonia and many more illnesses in infants and children. All of these illnesses are preventable.

Quitting smoking is the best way to protect your loved ones from breathing the harmful chemicals from secondhand smoke. If you are not ready to quit you can still protect others by making your home and car smoke free. Wear a smoking jacket and a hat when you smoke. Keep your smoking clothing away from infants and small children, especially children with asthma. Wash your hands and face when you come in from smoking.

Talk with your doctor – we care about your health. That is why we ask you about smoking every time you visit the clinic.

When you are ready to quit smoking we can help. Call (253) 593-0232 ext. 513 for the PTHA Stop Smoking Program or 1-800-QUITNOW for the WA State Quit Line.

May 30 is World No Tobacco Day

Come to the Medical Clinic lobby between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pledge to quit for 24 hours and pledge to make your home and car smoke free.

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