Reducing Exposure in the Home

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Passive smoking Involuntary smoking

Increase the number of homes with children aged six and under where smoking is not allowed

15 million children affected Most likely place of exposure Involuntary exposure Children are developmentally susceptible

Bronchitis and pneumonia –150, ,000 cases annually Ear infections Coughing and wheezing Asthma

Chronic lung disease Up to six million children affected A leading cause of missed school days A leading cause of hospitalizations –Over 100,000 children each year

Secondhand smoke exposure causes: –Low birth weight –Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) –Childhood asthma Findings supported and published by National Cancer Institute in 1999

Suggestive evidence of a causal association with secondhand smoke exposure and: –Spontaneous abortion –Adverse impact on cognition and behavior –Exacerbation of cystic fibrosis –Decreased pulmonary function

Choose not to smoke in your home and do not permit others to do so

Confirmed secondhand smoke causes young children’s asthma symptoms to worsen Found suggestive evidence of an association between secondhand smoke exposure and new cases of asthma in young children

Choose not to smoke if children are present

Don’t allow baby-sitters or others who work in your home to smoke in the house or near your children

Pledge to keep your home smoke free Help other parents to understand the serious health risks to children Talk with your pediatrician to find out more

Children & Secondhand Smoke Brochure Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Secondhand Smoke Brochure Take the Smoke-Free Home Pledge Brochure Smoke-Free Home Kit

EPA’s secondhand smoke website: National Service Center for Environmental Publications: – – IAQ Infoline: /iaq/ets.html /ncepihom