Second-hand smoke

Second-hand smoke, also known as passive smoke, occurs when someone breathes in smoke from another person’s vape or tobacco product. Second-hand smoke is produced when:

  • a smoker breathes out (exhales) after using a smoke or a vape OR
  • when the burning end of a tobacco product releases smoke. 

Second-hand smoke can come from any vaping or tobacco product, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, shisha (waterpipes), cigars or pipes.

Children exposed to second-hand smoke

Second-hand smoke is a serious health threat and can cause significant harm to children. Children are at a greater risk because:

  • their bodies are still growing and 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 exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk of health complications including:

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.

Children exposed to second-hand smoke are also more likely to become smokers themselves later in life.

Impacts on unborn babies and newborn

Exposure to second-hand smoke for an unborn child increases the risk of:

  • stillbirth
  • premature babies
  • health complications for the mother and child
  • poor growth and development outcomes
  • poor lung development

Second-hand smoke for a newborn child doubles the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) compared to babies who are not exposed to second-hand smoke.

How to reduce children’s exposure to second-hand smoke

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:

  1. Establish house rules: Smoke or vape outside the house and away from windows and children.
  2. Avoid smoking or vaping in the car with children: Blowing smoke out the window does not protect children from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
  3. Quit smoking or vaping yourself: Quitting will not only reduce your child’s exposure to second-hand smoke but also improve your own health.
  4. Educate children: Teach children the harmful effects of both smoking and second-hand smoke.

The health complications from second-hand vaping

Vapes contain many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco products. Children are just as much at risk of health complications from second-hand vape smoke.