Second-hand smoke is what you get
when you’re around a smoker. It’s the
smoke the smoker breathes out. It’s the smoke that comes from the burning end of
a cigarette, cigar or pipe.
This smoke contains many irritants and
poisons. It is especially dangerous for babies
and young children. Their lungs are delicate.
Children who breathe this smoke are more likely than other children to get
sick. They may have more mucus. The fluid in their middle ears may build
up and cause ear infections. They may develop pneumonia, bronchitis and
other lung infections. If they have asthma, it may get worse.
Second-hand smoke is harmful for everyone. It contains more than 40
cancer-causing substances.
It can also harm the heart. Anyone who lives with a smoker is at risk of
developing lung cancer and having a heart attack.
What can you do?
- Don’t allow anyone to smoke in your house. If people must smoke,
ask them to do it outside. - Avoid homes, cafes and other places where people smoke. Go to smoke-free places only.
- If other people care for your baby, make sure they don’t smoke.
- If you or your partner smokes, stop. If you have trouble quitting, ask
your doctor for help. - Set a good example. Children learn by watching what you do.
- For your baby’s health—and your own—stay away from second-hand
smoke.
This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your-Eleven-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.
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