Just the Facts!
Children of smokers have:
- More respiratory infections
- Increased airway sensitivity
- Increased inner ear infections
- Increased incidence and severity of asthma attacks
- Increased risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
- Increased risk of lung cancer later in life
- Smoking is the major preventable cause of disease and death in America.
- Smoking causes 30% of all cancers.
- 3000 teenagers begin smoking each day.
- An average 25-year-old, pack a day smoker will die 6-8 years younger than nonsmoking peers.
- The ill-effects of smoking are halted or reversed once smoking cessation occurs.
- Smoking 2 packs a day at $2 per pack will cost the user $1500 per year.
Did You Know?
Environmental tobacco smoke is composed of sidestream smoke and mainstream smoke. Sidestream smoke is from the burning end of the cigarette and contains the same compounds that are found in the mainstream smoke that is inhaled into the lungs. Many of the 4000 compounds and 40 known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) found in mainstream smoke are present in greater concentrations in sidestream smoke.
What Do I Do?
The University of Florida Pediatric Pulmonary Center recommends that you stop smoking for your own health as well as the health of your child.
If quitting is a consideration – Fantastic! The Pulmonary Center has self-guides available and referrals for community behavior modification support groups.
If quitting is not an option at this time, we suggest that you initiate the following steps of the pyramid at your own pace until you are ready to quit.
