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Talk to Your Kids About Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke -- smoke from burning tobacco and exhaled smoke -- is terribly harmful to nonsmokers. In fact, exposure to secondhand smoke is "nearly as bad as smoking itself," according to Mayo Clinic. Why is secondhand smoke so dangerous?
* Secondhand smoke contains toxic stuff -- formaldehyde, arsenic, cadmium, benzene, and other poisonous chemicals. That's why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a Group A carcinogen. ("Secondhand Smoke Fact Sheet," American Lung Association)
* Secondhand Smoke causes lung cancer, heart disease, and breathing problems. Asthmatic kids should avoid secondhand smoke. ("The Health Consequences of Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services")
* A nonsmoker's risk of developing heart disease increases 30-50 percent when he or she is exposed to secondhand smoke. (U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona)
* Infants and children are very vulnerable to secondhand smoke because their lungs are still developing. Secondhand smoke can cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (American Lung Association)
* Kids are exposed to secondhand smoke in homes and cars -- places they can't leave. You could say they are prisoners of secondhand smoke. ("Second Hand Smoke Triumphs and Tragedies" video shown by U.S. Surgeon General)
* Some kids who are exposed to secondhand smoke have a build-up of fluid in their middle ears, which alters hearing and speech. ("Secondhand Smoke Dangers," Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center)
* The more you are around secondhand smoke the more poisons your body absorbs. Restaurant workers, bar workers, and pregnant women are at greater risk. ("Dangers of Secondhand Smoke," Cleveland Clinic)
* Secondhand smoke can linger in the air for hours. It can work its way into drapes, carpets, and woodwork. ("Secondhand Smoke: Avoid Dangers in in the Air You Breathe," www.mayoclinic.com)
Surgeon General Richard Carmona says there's NO risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Take care of yourself and your kids. Stay away from secondhand smoke.
Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson
Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance nonfiction writer for 28 years. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com Amazon has posted a five-star review of the book. You will find more reviews on the American Hospice Foundation Web site ("School Corner" heading) and the Health Ministries Association Web site.
Source: www.articlecity.com