6 harmful effects of tobacco on children

Tobacco is one of the leading risk factors for disease and death globally, affecting both active smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke.

Smoke from pipe and cigar ends contains about 4,000 chemicals, including more than 50 carcinogens. Children are at risk of breathing in secondhand smoke from their parents or caregivers. When this smoke settles to the ground, it sticks to surfaces such as sofas, carpets, and curtains. Children playing on these surfaces tend to inhale it, damaging their lungs.

Secondhand smoke can be harmful at all stages of a child’s development, including prenatal, infancy, childhood, and adulthood.

Low birth weight

Secondhand smoke is a major cause of low birth weight. Pregnant women who do not smoke but are exposed to secondhand smoke tend to have lower birth weight babies than women who are not exposed.

Placental problems

Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of cleft lip and palate in the fetus and placental problems such as placenta previa and placental abruption. Secondhand smoke is also linked to premature birth, birth complications and sudden infant death syndrome.

Effects on neurological function

Secondhand smoke also impairs children’s ability to learn because it affects the nervous system. Children whose mothers are exposed to secondhand smoke or smoke while pregnant are more likely to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorders.

Ear infection

Inhaled smoke can irritate the eustachian tube that connects the back of the nose to the middle ear. This irritation can cause middle ear swelling, inflammation, pain, and infection.

Respiratory problems

Secondhand smoke also increases the risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, and wheezing. It also increases the likelihood of asthma attacks, a more serious condition that sends many children to the hospital.

susceptible to illness

Smoking reduces immune function. It causes children to have frequent nasal congestion, headaches and sore throats, causing problems later in life such as heart disease and lung cancer. Children have to miss school due to respiratory diseases, affecting the learning process.

To reduce the health risks associated with tobacco, parents should quit smoking if they smoke, avoid smoking areas at home or near children. Use a specialized air purifier to help clean the living environment.