Last updated on September 6th, 2019 at 01:30 am
We already know this. Cigarette smoking is bad for your health. Not only for the smoker but also for the people surrounding him.
This post is to serve as a guide and warning to the parents, guardians and the people around the child of the harmful effects of Second-hand and Third-hand smoke.
What is Second-hand smoke?
The smoke that the smoker breathes out and the smoke the drifts from the end of a burning cigarette. We usually come into contact with this in public places or if there’s a smoker living in our home.
Exposure and breathing in of Second-hand smoke is also referred to as Passive smoking.
What is Third-hand smoke?
The toxic chemicals residue (like Nicotine) that lands and stays on hair, clothing, skin, curtains, furnitures and even on floors.
Even after they finished smoking these residues still remain for weeks, months and years if the place is on continuous exposure to smoke.
Second-hand at Third-hand smoke is most dangerous to babies and children because of their still developing airways and weak immune system.
Children are more exposed to close contact with these residues because they spend more time on the floor playing and crawling. They are also most vulnerable because they usually put their hands and toys on their mouth.
What are the possible health issues of exposure to cigarette smoke?
- Asthma
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Ear infection
- Recurring cough and cold
- Difficulty in breathing
- Lung infections like Pneumonia and Bronchitis
- SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
How can we protect our child from this?
1. For the parents or persons living with the child, the most effective solution would be: To Quit Smoking. To completely eradicate your home of cigarette smoke and making it a safe space for children to lived in.
This is also a way to become a positive role model to them by setting a good example of being a non smoker.
2. If quitting is hard, ensure not to smoke near the baby. Make your home and car off limits.
3. Make it a habit to wash your hands, change clothes and brush your teeth or much better to take a bath completely before getting close to your child.
Even if you are not smoking, smoke and dirt from outside could seep into your skin and clothes.
4. Maintain a clean house and environment especially on places where your child spends most of his time.
People photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com
Let’s make a conscious effort to create a safe, healthy and smoke free environment for our child.
As parents, it is our responsibility to take care of them. To ensure their wellbeing. We are the grown-ups, we know what’s right and better. It’s us who should prevent our child’s exposure to cigarette smoke and other health threats.
It’s okay to step up and voice your concern. Inevitably you may offend someone but that’s a small consequence in comparison to your child being sick.
I hope that I am able to enlighten you on this health issue that is a real threat to our children.
How about you? What is your personal experience on cigarette smoking? Share them on the comments below.
Thank you for reading. If you find this helpful or relatable, please share!
One Response
Great article, thanks for sharing this mommy. I do hope that many of the smokers will be mindful of the effects it bring especially to children.