University of Wisconsin - Extension

Most people are aware of the dangers of smoking to the smoker. But the hazards smoking poses to others in the home, particularly children, are not as well-recognized.

Information released by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) suggests some dramatic health impacts from this environmental tobacco smoke, says a University of Wisconsin-Extension housing specialist.

"Environmental tobacco smoke is the mixture of combustion products given off by the burning end of cigarettes, cigars and pipes directly into the air. It also includes smoke exhaled by smokers," says John Merrill. "That's why it is often referred to as second-hand smoke. Children are especially susceptible to second-hand smoke exposure because their lungs are still developing and they breathe more per pound of body weight than adults do."

Merrill says one of the greatest concerns is the connection between second-hand smoke and asthma. Asthma is now the leading chronic disease among children. Between 1980 and 1994, asthma among young children increased by 160%. Nearly 1 in 13 school-aged children has asthma, according to ASTHO.

More than 9 million children are exposed to second-hand smoke at home. About 1 million of these children have aggravated asthma symptoms due to this exposure. Families and insurers pay an estimated $1.9 billion to treat children under age 18 with asthma, and children miss as many as 10 million school days each year because of asthma.

There are a number of other major asthma triggers connected with the home. These include dust mites, mold, animal dander and cockroach allergens.

However, Merrill says second-hand smoke is a trigger that brings with it numerous other health problems for children, as well as adults.

Second-hand smoke is also associated with several other health problems in children. Over 150,000 respiratory infections per year in toddlers are linked to second-hand smoke, as well as nearly a million middle ear infections. Even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome has been linked to second-hand smoke.

For adults, the most serious problem associated with second-smoke is lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded that second-hand smoke is a significant cause of lung cancer in non-smoking adults. While its ability to official classify second-hand tobacco smoke as a carcinogen has been held up in the courts, EPA maintains that the science behind the link to cancer is conclusive.

There are some clear steps you can take to protect children from the dangers of second-hand smoke, Merrill says. Do not permit smoking in your home, particularly if you have young children. If you or others must smoke in the home, smoke near an open window or exhaust fan away from children.

For more information about asthma and second hand smoke, visit the EPA Web site at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ets/index.html.