Parents Who Smoke Can Lessen Effects on Children

Secondhand smoke continues to be a major health problem in the United States, but parents who smoke can take steps to lessen the ill effects on their children.

Many studies have described the health risks to children of secondhand smoke, such as respiratory problems and the increased chance of ear infections. Fewer studies have looked at ways to intervene with smoking parents to reduce or eliminate exposure, says Dr. Marianna Sockrider, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

She outlined several steps that parents who smoke can take to reduce the risks to their children:

• Smoke only outside the home, whether that means outdoors or in another setting.
• Parents who have not been successful in smoking outside should designate a well-ventilated smoking room where there is fresh, outside air exchange. A ceiling fan or small air filter is not effective.
• Smoke in the home only after children are asleep.
• Never smoke in a car with children.
• Choose to sit in the non-smoking sections of restaurants.

The steps listed won't eliminate exposure to tobacco smoke, but will limit it. The lower the exposure, the less the risk, Dr. Sockrider says.

- From Baylor College of Medicine

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Courtesy of Texas Medical Center News

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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