Exposure to Tobacco Smoke

Do all you can to keep yourself and your baby away from secondhand smoke. Secondhand tobacco smoke makes babies sick and makes it harder for them to breathe. Babies’ lungs and airways are small. When they breathe tobacco smoke, babies get poisons from the smoke. Their lungs also absorb tiny particles, nicotine, and chemicals from secondhand smoke.

Breathing problems, wheezing and sickness triggered by secondhand smoke make babies feel uncomfortable and be more fussy.

When you keep your baby away from secondhand smoke you:

• Lowers your baby’s risk of dying from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
• Reduces the number of asthma attacks.
• Lowers chances of bronchitis, pneumonia or croup.
• Results in fewer colds, coughing and congestion.
• Reduces the number of sinus and ear infections.
• Promotes healthier lungs for a lifetime.
• Promotes healthier brain development.

There are many health benefits for other family members who avoid secondhand smoke. They may have fewer breathing problems. They may also be less likely to get colds, the flu or heart disease. They are less likely to die young compared to people who breathe secondhand smoke.

Get all the details in Second Hand Smoke Danger.

Online Resource Directories

Directory of obstetricians and midwives
Directory of perinatal support services