Passive smoking, also known as second-hand smoke, poses significant health risks to children, who are particularly vulnerable due to their developing lungs and immune systems, experts said on Saturday. Passive smoking in children can result in respiratory problems, Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, developmental delays, and future heart disease. Preventing it entails keeping a smoke-free home, avoiding children, and avoiding public smoking areas.
Supporting cessation programmes and educating family members can also help to protect children. “Passive smoking in children can cause respiratory issues, SIDS, ear infections, developmental issues, and future heart disease. Preventing it involves maintaining a smoke-free home, avoiding children, and avoiding public smoking areas.
Supporting cessation programs and educating family members can also help protect children,” Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director and HOD, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, told. “Passive smoking exposes children to harmful chemicals, increasing their risk of respiratory infections, asthma, and SIDS. It can also impair lung development, leading to long-term health issues,” he also emphasised.
The consequences of passive smoking are both immediate as well as long-term. Short-term exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as coughing, headaches, and difficulty in breathing. Passive smoking over time increases the risk of developing serious conditions such as lung cancer, he.