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/.

Sean Houston, MD

Sean Houston, MD

Dr. Sean Houston received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Georgetown University and his Medical Doctorate from the Georgetown School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Houston is a contributing author to a textbook entitled Decision Making in Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders and has been a featured speaker at the Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Annual Conference.

In 2007, Dr. Houston was voted by his peers as one of New Jersey Monthly's Top Doctors. He serves as a Clinical Instructor for the Residency Program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Dr. Houston is Board Certified to treat both adult and pediatric Otolaryngology patients.

Samuel Engel, MD

Samuel Engel, M.D., M.P.H.

Dr. Samuel Engel graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers University. He received his master's degree in Public Health from the UMDNJ-School of Public Health and his medical degree from UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Public Health and his medical degree from UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School where he received the Academic Achievement Award and was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

Dr. Engel completed his internship and residency in Otolaryngology at the Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology at Children's National Medical Center, one of only six Pediatric Otolaryngology programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Dr. Engel is chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital. He specializes in all aspects of Pediatric Otolaryngology, with particular interest in pediatric airway disorders and obstructive sleep apnea, adenotonsillar diseases, otitis media, neck masses in children, pediatric sinusitis and pediatric voice disorders.

Mary Mitskavich, MD

Mary Mitskavich, MD

Founder, Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat

Dr. Mary Mitskavich is the founder of Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat, LLC and is the managing partner. She received her undergraduate degree in Pharmacy from Duquesne University, graduating Summa Cum Laude as the class Valedictorian. She worked as a registered Pharmacist until deciding to pursue a career in medicine.

Dr. Mitskavich completed medical school, internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Dr. Mitskavich has had multiple scientific publications and presentations at national meetings. Grant money was awarded to fund her clinical research.

Currently, Dr. Mitskavich serves as a clinical instructor at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. She serves on the management committee of the Center for Advanced Surgery and Pain Management. She was on the Board of Directors of Meridian Ambulatory Care, Inc. She was recently selected to participate in the Meridian Physician Leadership Program. In 2007, Dr. Mitskavich was voted by her peers as one of New Jersey Monthly's Top Doctors.

Dr. Mitskavich is Board Certified in Pediatric and Adult Otolaryngology. She specializes in Balloon Sinuplasty, a less invasive endoscopic sinus surgery. You can see her interviewed on our Balloon Sinuplasty video.