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Home › Articles › Nutrition and Health › Cigarette Smoke is a Danger in the Air

Cigarette Smoke is a Danger in the Air

What Are the Effects of Secondhand Smoke?

By Jacqueline Rupp

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In addition, some of the gases contained in cigarette smoke, such as carbon monoxide, cyanide and formaldehyde, are extremely toxic. Secondhand smoke clearly affects a child's respiratory system, as studies show exposed children have a 50 percent higher risk of developing bronchitis or pneumonia. It has also been proven that kids subjected to smoking are more frequently absent from school.

Babies are harmed even more, with almost 300 infants dying each year of smoking-related SIDS, according to statistics cited by the American Legacy Foundation. "Exposure in infancy to secondhand smoke can put babies at a greater risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)," says Ella Watson-Stryker, a Legacy Foundation research associate. "It is also attributable to build-up of fluid in the middle ear, which is generally referred to as an ear infection, the most prevalent health problem in infants."

Residual Risk
"Secondhand smoke chemicals settle on everything – even if someone is not presently smoking in the room, the chemicals remain for a great length of time," says Watson-Stryker. You can probably see this (and smell this) firsthand if you or someone you live with smokes. Curtains and upholstery become yellowed, mirrors and windows become cloudy with smoke residue and walls need to be repainted more often.

"One extra benefit of quitting is definitely less housework," says Donna Vallone, associate vice president for research at the Legacy Foundation. But although the aesthetics might be annoying, the resdue can be downright dangerous when babies or children are around. Children who play on the floor, for instance, can pick up chemical residue from carpets. It's also important to remember not to smoke in the car, as children can get as much exposure here as in the house.


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