Tobacco and Children

From the desk of Samuel Engel, MD, MPH
www.coastalhearing.com
732-280-7855

Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctors Warn of the
Many Dangers of Exposing Children to Cigarette Smoke

NEPTUNE, NJ — Despite how far the U.S. has come in its ongoing fight to help people avoid the dangers of cigarettes and smokeless tobac­co products, millions of children are still at risk for being exposed to the dangers of secondhand and “third-hand smoke” that can cause a num­ber of health problems such as head and neck cancer, upper respiratory tract disorders, tooth decay, and behavioral issues. Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat reinforces the need for public aware­ness the dangers to children of tobacco smoke.

The term “third-hand smoke” is a relatively new phrase that describes the chemical contam­inants from cigarette smoke that remain in the air and on surfaces even after the cigarette is extinguished. These chemicals linger for a long period of time and can be reabsorbed into the body if inhaled or ingested.

A recent study in the medical journal Pediatrics found that of adults surveyed, the impact of third-hand smoke is less well known to the public than other smoking-related risks. Since the term is so new, the researchers asked people if they agreed with the statement that “breathing air in a room today where people smoked yesterday can harm the health of infants and children.” Only 65 percent of nonsmokers and 43 percent of smokers agreed with that statement.

Secondhand smoke is a combination of the smoke from a burning cigarette and the smoke exhaled by a smoker. Also known as environ­mental tobacco smoke (ETS), it can be recog­nized easily by its distinctive odor. ETS contam­inates the air and is retained in clothing, curtains and furniture. Beyond being unpleasant, annoy­ing, and irritating to the eyes and nose, ETS represents a dangerous health hazard. Over 4,000 different chemicals have been identified in ETS, and at least 43 of these chemicals cause cancer.

Furthermore, on average, children are exposed to more secondhand smoke than non­smoking adults. Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat warns parents and caregivers that exposing chil­dren to any kind of tobacco smoke is dangerous to their health and could result in immediate health problems like triggering an asthma attack, to long-term issues like tooth decay and chronic ear infections that can lead to hearing loss if left untreated.

Dr. Samuel Engel of Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat recommends the following ways to help limit a child’s exposure to tobacco smoke:
First, and most importantly, if you do smoke, stop. Consult your physician for help, if needed. There are many new resources available to help you quit from medications to support groups.

Consider a home/car smoking ban. Do not allow anyone to smoke anywhere in your home or at any time in your car. Studies have shown that parents who enforce a no-smoking ban at home are less likely to have teens who experi­ment with cigarettes.

Finally, if you used to allow regular smoking in your home, consider replacing low-cost items like throw pillows, area rugs, and curtains. For items like couches and rugs, consider a thor­ough steam cleaning which can help reduce the amount of dangerous particles, pollutants, and allergens that are trapped in their fibers.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO­HNS), seeks to advise parents and caregivers that ear, nose, and throat disorders remain among the primary reasons children and adoles­cents visit a physician.
For more information on kids’ ear, nose, and throat health, visit our website at www.coastalhearing.com/.