Effects of passive smoking on children and how to get help to quit
Secondhand smoke is dangerous, especially for pregnant women and children. The best way to protect loved ones is to quit smoking.
Passive smoking is especially harmful for children as they have less well-developed airways, lungs and immune systems.
Children who live in a household where at least 1 person smokes are more likely to develop:
- asthma
- chest infections – like pneumonia and bronchitis
- meningitis
- ear infections
- coughs and colds
Children are particularly vulnerable in the family car where secondhand smoke can reach hazardous levels even with the windows open.
Pregnant women who smoke or who are exposed to passive smoke are more prone to premature birth and their baby is more at risk of low birthweight and sudden infant death syndrome.
Where to get help if you want to give up smoking:
Residents in Thurrock can get support to quit smoking through their GP or the Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service. You can call Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service on 0800 292 2299, email thls@thurrock.gov.uk or find more information at the link below:
thurrock.gov.uk - help to stop smoking