Second-hand Smoke and Children

Here are some facts of second-hand smoke effect on children.

• Children regularly exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) are at least 50% more likely to suffer damage to their lungs and breathing problems such as asthma.
• In 2001, an estimated 800,000 children under the age of 12 were regularly exposed to SHS in the home from cigarettes, cigars or pipes.
• Exposure to SHS during childhood is associated with increased risk of developing asthma as an adult.
• If you are a non-smoker, exposure to second-hand smoke may increase your risk of getting either lung cancer, heart disease, or respiratory problems.
• Second-hand smoke fosters the formation of blood clots that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
• SHS raises the heart rate and damages the heart muscle.
• Passive smoking lowers the level of protective ("good") HDL-cholesterol in the blood.