Tips for Parents Who Smoke

[Olson Huff MD]

Pediatricians have long known the effects of smoking around children and the need to keep home smoke free.

Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals. You might be surprised at some of them. Some of these are:

• cyanide (a deadly poison)
• arsenic (poison)
• strychnine (poison)
• formaldehyde (a chemical used to preserve dead tissue)
• methanol (wood alcohol)
• acetylene (the fuel used in torches)
• ammonia (what you might use to clean your toilet)
• acetone (the chemical in nail polish remover)

Ear infections and breathing problems are only a few of the problems children will encounter if people smoke in their home. Another place to avoid smoking around children is the family car. If a parent or caregiver must smoke please don't do it in the car with a young child!

If you are a parent who smokes here are some suggestions:

• Establish a smoke-free policy in your home. Don’t allow anyone to smoke indoors at any time. Opening a window does not protect your children from smoke. Don’t smoke in your home, even when your children are not there. This is the best way to keep toxins off the floor, furniture, and places your children might play.
• Do not smoke around your child even outside.
• Wash your hands and face after you smoke as the chemicals can stay on your skin.This is called third-hand smoke. Cigarette smoke leaves toxic particles on hands,clothing, furniture, floors, blankets, and toys.Third-hand smoke remains long after a cigarette has been put out.
• Quit.

Useful links

Guide to Quitting Smoking

Smoke Free

REMEMBER: When your child is in the room or car with a smoker, he or she is smoking, too!

Please share any other tips or advice

Thanks Olson