Smoking can have severe health consequences, particularly for children who are exposed to secondhand smoke. This smoke contains numerous toxic substances that can harm children’s lungs and overall health. Secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor for disease and death worldwide, affecting both active smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke.
Children can inhale secondhand smoke from their parents or caregivers as it settles on surfaces like sofas, carpets, and curtains. This exposure can lead to low birth weight in babies born to pregnant women who are exposed to smoke, as well as an increased risk of birth complications such as cleft lip, placental problems like placenta previa and placental abruption, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome. Moreover, secondhand smoke can impair neurological function in children, leading to learning disabilities like ADHD and conduct disorders.
Inhaled smoke can also irritate the eustachian tube, causing middle ear swelling, inflammation, pain, and infections. Additionally, secondhand smoke increases the risk of respiratory issues such as pneumonia, asthma, wheezing, and asthma attacks that can result in hospitalization. Smoking diminishes immune function in children, making them more prone to illnesses like nasal congestion