What is Environmental Tobacco Smoke?
Secondhand smoke is harmful to everyone, especially tobabies and young children of all communities. Millions of children six years old and younger are exposed to secondhand smoke in their home which can cause several health issues such as Middle ear infections – millions per year, Bronchitis/pneumonia and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – 2,000 deaths per year. By increase awareness of the health impacts on children from exposure to secondhand smoke and helping families take action to protect children from exposure to secondhand smoke, you can help protect children’s health.
Reducing Asthma Attacks
Asthma is a growing problem for the nation as a whole. It is the most common chronic childhood disease and places a disproportionate burden on minority and low income groups.
Approximately 20 percent of children with asthma are exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes. By taking the actions to reduce exposure to asthma triggers and making their homes and cars smoke-free, families can help prevent serious health risks such as more frequent and severe asthma attacks among asthmatic children, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and acute middle ear infections
Source: USEPA Website
