Smoking Is Not Cool.(Time for change.Completely.)

Don't Put Your Life On The Line.They Need You. Don't Put Their Life On The Line.You Need Them.Children’s Health Threats

Second-hand smoke has a marked effect on the health of infants and children. They’re more vulnerable than adults because they’re still developing physically and generally have higher breathing rates, which means they may inhale greater quantities of second-hand smoke than do adults. For children  who live in households where someone smokes, the effects are worst during the child’s  first five years, since the child may spend the bulk of that time with a smoking parent or guardian. Ironically, infants are at the highest risk of second-hand smoke from their  own mothers. A child who spends just one hour  in a very smoky room is inhaling as many dangerous chemicals as if he or she smoked 10 or more cigarettes.Here are some of the main health problems in infants and children associated with second-hand smoke.

Growth and Development

Women who are exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk of having babies  of slightly lower birth weight.This can cause a host of health problems for the baby, such as cerebral palsy or learning disabilities.Women who actively smoke during pregnancy expose their developing baby to passive smoke – the chemicals may pass through the placenta – and put them at risk of lower birth weight. Scientists are studying the link between second-hand smoke may also  be at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).But there is evidence that post-birth exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of SIDS is inconclusive.
Asthma and Other Respiratory Problems

Second-hand smoke may cause asthma in children.In children who already have asthma, second-hand smoke can make episodes more frequent and more severe.Second-hand smoke is also tied to lower respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, especially in those younger than 6. It’s also associated with irritation of the upper respiratory tract and a small reduction in lung function.

Middle Ear Conditions

Children  living in households with smokers are more likely to have a build-up of fluid in their middle ear, which is an indication of chronic middle ear disease (otitis media).

SOURCE :

Dangers In The Air.Second Hand Smoke : Avoid Dangers In the Air You Breathe
(Find out how second-hand smoke harms you and how you can avoid it.)
-Nature and Health, Borneo Post, Saturday 17 July 2010-

-google images.