Second-hand smoke
Second-hand smoke, known as passive smoke, happens when someone nearby breathes in smoke or aerosol. Second-hand smoke can come from any vaping or tobacco product, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, shisha (waterpipes), cigars or pipes.
Second-hand smoke is produced when:
- a smoker exhales after smoking or vaping
- when the burning end of a tobacco product releases smoke.
Children exposed to second-hand smoke
Second-hand smoke is a health threat and can cause harm to children. Children are at a greater risk because:
- their bodies and lungs are still developing
- they breathe at a faster rate than adults
- their lungs are smaller and less mature.
Parents or carers who smoke are the most common source of second-hand smoke exposure for children. Children with parents who smoke are more likely to smoke themselves later in life.
Children exposed to second-hand smoke are at greater risk of:
Respiratory conditions
- asthma - second-hand smoke exposure during childhood is a key risk factor for asthma development
- poor lung development
- croup
- bronchitis
- pneumonia.
Additional health problems
- leukaemia
- middle ear infections
- neuro behavioural conditions, for example Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- anti-social behaviour.
Exposure during pregnancy and early life
Exposure to smoke or second-hand smoke increases the risk of:
- stillbirth
- premature babies
- health complications for the mother and child
- poor growth and development
- poor lung development.
Did you know?
The risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is 2 times higher in newborn babies exposed to second-hand smoke compared to babies not exposed.
Reducing children’s second-hand smoke exposure
The best way to protect children from the dangers of second-hand smoke is to keep children’s environments as smoke and vape-free as possible. Here are some points to consider:
- Establish house rules- Smoke or vape outside the house and away from windows.
- Avoid smoking or vaping in the car- Blowing smoke out the window does not protect children from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
- Quit smoking or vaping yourself- Quitting will not only reduce your child’s exposure, it will also improve your own health outcomes.
- Talk to your child- Teach children about the harmful effects of smoking and second-hand smoke.