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Home › Articles › Safe Family › Cigarette Smoke is a Danger in the Air

Cigarette Smoke is a Danger in the Air

What Are the Effects of Secondhand Smoke?

By Jacqueline Rupp

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"Nicotine has even been found on toys, so if you leave a baby's teething toy laying around and someone smokes, the next time the baby puts the toy in her mouth she will also be ingesting nicotine," says Vallone.

"It is unclear just what effect the trace amounts of nicotine have on young children," says Dr. Edelman. "The addictive drug can be found present in a child's system and may possibly predispose the child to nicotine addiction. One fact is clear: If a parent smokes, their children are more likely to smoke as well. This alone should be cause enough for parents to quit, since half of all smokers will die of a smoking-related disease. No parent wants to be responsible for hooking their child onto such a deadly habit."

If you do smoke, Vallone says parents should create no-smoking zones. "We have a downloadable door hanger, which is a fun reminder but highlights a serious task," she says. "You need to set definite boundaries." This is important for grandparents who smoke to note, especially if the grandkids visit their home regularly. Just because a child isn't in the room while you are smoking doesn't mean he isn't being exposed to a danger.

For parties, family dinners and just neighborly get-togethers, remember to mention kindly that guests refrain from smoking in the home. "Respectfully ask guests not to smoke in the house but to go outside instead," says Watson-Stryker. "Offering gum or mints to people who might feel the need to light up might also help diminish the desire for a cigarette," says Vallone. You also can make a special outside area for guests to feel more comfortable going outside to smoke. A seating area, table and proper lighting help. This doesn't promote smoking but helps make it easier to do the right thing.

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