Second Hand Smoke

The Detrimental Effects of Second Hand Smoke on Children Most of us have heard somewhere that second hand smoking is not very good for your health. But have we stopped to consider why it is bad, and specifically how it can affect children 's health? They are a vulnerable population because of the potential tobacco smoke has to damage a child 's developing organs, such as the lungs and brain ("www.etnet.org," 2010). The children of smoking parents cannot escape these harmful fumes. The exposure is a preventable cause of illness. Therefore, it is my belief that being informed and educating patients regarding the consequences of exposing anyone, especially children, is a small step in order to prevent childhood illnesses and lower spending. As explained by the American Academy of Otolaryngology, second hand smoke is composed of both smoke given off by a burning cigarette and that exhaled by a smoker. Second hand smoke is also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The contaminants from EST consist of over 4,000 known chemicals, 43 of which are known carcinogens ("www.etnet.org," 2010). Furthermore, recent research by Stratford Health Department has revealed a new threat related to tobacco - “third-hand smoke.” The latter refers to the chemicals that are left behind over clothing, furniture, walls, and everywhere else tobacco smoke has come into contact with, including the smokers themselves. The chemicals found included arsenic, lead and nicotine, all of which can contaminate by the oral, skin and airway routes. ("Stratford star," 2013). It is clear that tobacco in all forms poses a threat to those who come in contact with it. In fact, a report by the Surgeon General (2007) concluded that there is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke. Exposure to many of the toxins from tobacco can affect children before they are even born. A commentary on studies published in the Official Journal Academy of American Pediatrics exposed the astounding

References: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services." The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke". Maryland: Office of the Surgeon, 2007. Retrieved from http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports/secondhandsmoke/factsheet2.html Levy, D. E., Winickoff, J. P., & Rigotti, N. A. (2011). School absenteeism among children living with smokers. PEDIATRICS, doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-1067 Second hand smoke linked to children 's behavior problems. (2012, December 2012). Retrieved from http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/sia/Pages/Second-Hand-Smoke-Linked-to- Children 's-Behavior-Problems.aspx Stratford star . (2013, March 1). Retrieved from http://www.stratfordstar.com/5371/snuffing- third-hand-smoke-stratford-health-department-sparks-national-campaign/ Winicoff, J. P., Cleave, J. V., & Oreskovic, N. M. (2010). Tobacco smoke exposure and chronic conditions of childhood. PEDIATRICS Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 126(1), e251 -e252. doi: 10.1542/peds.2010-1182 www.etnet.org. (2010, Dec). Retrieved from http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Second- Hand-Smoke-and-Children.cfm