Second Hand Smoke

Secondhand Smoke

(Don't forget to sign the smokefree home pledge at the bottom of this page)

Breathing other people's smoke is called secondhand smoke or passive smoking.  Secondhand smoke (SHS) is a major source of indoor air pollution.

17,000 children under the age of 5 are admitted to hospital every year with illnesses resulting from second hand smoke.

What's in the smoke?

Tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemicals including things that you find in household products that are normally kept out of reach from children, such as:

• Bleach
• Nail polish remover
• Dynamite
• Rocket fuel
• Batteries
• Rat Poison

The effects of second hand smoke on babies and young children

• Secondhand smoke increases the risk of acute respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children.
• A reduction in levels and growth of lung function and increased severity in the symptoms of asthma in children, and is a risk factor for new cases of asthma in children.
• Chronic middle ear infections
• Exposure to second hand smoke during pregnancy is an independent risk factor for low birth weight and decreased attained height.
• Parental smoking is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (cot death).

Cot Death

Protecting babies and children from second hand smoke will reduce the number of cot deaths we see in Leeds.

Babies who are exposed to 1-2 hours of smoke a day are more than twice as likely to die as those who have no exposure to tobacco smoke, while those living in a smoky home where they are exposed to smoke all day are 8 times more likely to die.

Here are some key figures.

• 30% of cot deaths could be avoided if parents didn’t smoke around their children.
• If your partner smokes then your baby is over 3 times more likely to die than if your partner doesn’t smoke.
• 60% of cot deaths would be avoided if mothers didn’t smoke in pregnancy and didn’t smoke around there baby!
• 70% of parents significantly underestimate or do not realise  the impact second hand smoke has on cot death

It’s really important we get this message out to parents as most don’t realise them impact of second hand smoke .

If you’re struggling to give up smoking or have a partner that smokes encouraging them to have a smokefree home will have a big impact on you and your family  .

Sign up and pledge to make your home smoke free today! Everyone who pledges to make their home smokefree will receive a smokefree homes goody pack! Please see the link below to sign up...