Secondhand smoke is harmful especially to infants and children. This is because their lungs are still developing.
Effects of secondhand smoke on infants
Risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) : One of the most fatal effects of secondhand smoke on infants is that it increases the risk of SIDS. The exact cause of SIDS is unknown however infants who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to die of SIDS than those who are not.
More cold and infections : As kids get older, those that are exposed to secondhand smoke get more colds and infections like pneumonia . They also take longer to recover. These kids miss more school days. Kids with asthma are at an even bigger risk. This is because secondhand smoke causes more frequent and severe asthma .
Risk for cancer and heart disease : Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals. Frequent exposure to secondhand smoke increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Content Sources
Children and Secondhand Smoke Exposure. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/secondhand_smoke/children-home/index.htm. Accessed January 22nd, 2021
Second-hand smoke and third-hand smoke: effects on children. Raising Children Network. https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/health-daily-care/health-concerns/second-hand-smoke. Accessed January 22nd, 2021