Smoking is a significant risk factor for disease and death worldwide, affecting both active smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke. Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke, which contains numerous toxic substances, are at risk of experiencing negative health effects such as being underweight, easily getting sick, and developing respiratory diseases. The smoke from pipes and cigars contains thousands of chemicals, including over 50 known carcinogens.
Secondhand smoke can have harmful effects on children at various stages of development, including prenatal, infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Prenatal exposure to tobacco can lead to low birth weight in babies and increase the risk of birth complications such as cleft lip, placental problems like placenta previa and placental abruption, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome. Secondhand smoke can also impair neurological function in children, leading to learning disabilities like ADHD and conduct disorders.
Inhaled smoke can irritate the eustachian tube, causing middle ear swelling, inflammation, pain, and infections. Additionally, secondhand smoke increases the risk of respiratory issues such as pneumonia