Keeping Children Safe from Secondhand Smoke

September 07, 2008

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Keeping Children Safe from Secondhand Smoke

by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

When you think of all the ways secondhand smoke can harm your children, there's no question that protecting them from this hazard should be a priority. That means that if you smoke you have a very strong reason to quit smoking now. If the smoker is someone else in your family, you have every reason to help that person stop, or at least insist that he or she adopt safer practices.

Quitting clearly is best. But not everyone is able to do that right away. Until then, here are some practical strategies to reduce your child's exposure to secondhand smoke:

Smoke only outside. Even in winter. Wear a special jacket to smoke in, and take it off before picking up your child (smoke clings in the fabric). This strategy has the advantage of making smoking less of a pleasant activity--and thus easier to stop.

Never smoke in the car. The car only holds a small volume of air, so there is not much air to dilute any smoke you exhale. Your child breathes in concentrated smoke. Don't let others smoke in your home or car, either.

If you absolutely cannot avoid smoking in your home, choose a smoking room, open the window and run an exhaust fan, and keep the door closed.

Cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke. Learn other ways to relieve stress or increase alertness. Find out what your smoking cues are (for example, sitting down with the newspaper or after dinner) and find other activities to do in response to them. Be sure to congratulate yourself for all the good you are doing your child. See Clearing the Air: How to Quit Smoking, and Quit for Keeps for many more helpful suggestions.
RELATED INFORMATION
Immunizing Your Child against Tobacco
Medications, Infections, and Other Exposures in Pregnancy
Health Promotion
Tobacco

Created March 08, 2001
Reviewed March 10, 2001

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