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.
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 your home. 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: It is illegal to smoke in an automobile if children are riding along. The confinement increases the potency and the risk of harm.
