Radio Commentary
An estimated 39 percent of U.S.
households with one or more children under age six have at least one smoker in
their midst, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC).
If you are among those who smoke
and find it hard to stop, bear in mind that parental smoking is a serious
health hazard for children.
Small lungs fill quickly, and
concentrations of poisons affect them more potently.
Children who live in homes with
smokers cannot avoid inhaling cigarette smoke. The second-hand nature of the
smoke does nothing to diminish the dangers.
As a result, these children run a
higher risk of developing asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and middle-ear
disease. Studies show they also have more difficulty getting over common colds.
Also, of the 4,000-plus chemicals
in environmental tobacco smoke, at least 40 are known to cause cancer.
If you would like to quit smoking
but can’t seem to do it, contact your physician. Many low-cost programs can
help.
Never allow smoking inside the
house. If another member of your household is a smoker, have him go outside and
leave all ashes and cigarette butts outside as well.
And remember: No one should ever
smoke in an automobile if children are riding along. The confinement increases
the potency and the risks.
