Prevent Tobacco Exposure During Stay-at-Home Orders

Even as some COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted, most of us are still spending a lot of time at home. The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds us that, in homes where someone smokes or vapes, all household members are more likely to be exposed to second- and thirdhand smoke. Children are especially vulnerable to their toxic effects.

April 28, 2020

By: American Academy of Pediatrics

Many families are spending more time at home to help stop the spread of COVID-19. In homes where someone smokes, this also means more exposure to tobacco smoke or e-cigarette “vapor.” This can be especially harmful to a child’s developing lungs.
How tobacco fills and lingers in a home
Secondhand smoke is the smoke a smoker breathes out and the smoke that comes from the tip of burning cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and every other device that heats or burns tobacco. Secondhand smoke contains many harmful chemicals and toxins.
Leftover smoke, often called “thirdhand smoke” stays in a room long after a tobacco product is used. Thirdhand smoke clings to clothing, furniture, and carpets and is inhaled by children.
Tobacco smoke travels through walls and vents in the home. In multi-unit housing buildings, tobacco smoke travels between units and into common areas, such as hallways and stairwells. Opening a window or smoking in a separate room does not protect children from exposure.
Tobacco exposure puts children’s health at risk
Tobacco use affects the whole family. Secondhand and thirdhand smoke causes children to get more ear infections, respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Tobacco exposure also increases risk for asthma and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Smoking and vaping tobacco weakens the body’s natural ability to fight infection and increases risk of lung disease and heart conditions. Because of this, tobacco users may also be at higher risk of severe COVID-19 complications.
Keep a 100% smoke-free and vape-free home
Take steps to protect your children from the harm of tobacco exposure by keeping a 100% smoke-free and vape-free home. Some tips:
-Don’t allow anyone to smoke or vape inside your home, even when children aren’t present.
-When a family member smokes outside, they should change clothes and wash hands thoroughly.
-Families who live in multi-unit housing should contact their landlord or building management association about enforcing smoke-free air laws in the building. Smoking should not be allowed in units and common areas. The American Lung Association provides resources about smoke-free multi-unit housing for both landlords and tenants.
Try to quit
The best way to fully protect your family from tobacco exposure is to quit smoking. It might not be easy, but it is worth it. You can find free resources such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW and teen.smokefree.gov to help you or your family members quit successfully.
Source
Note: Content was edited for style and length.

More information:

Minimize your child’s exposure to thirdhand smoke

Young children are most likely to exposed to thirdhand smoke

More Must Read Stories

A row of apartments on a sunny day. The image has the title “The California Fair Employment and Housing Act Can Help Tenants Avoid Second- and Thirdhand Smoke.”

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act Can Help Tenants in Multiunit Housing Avoid Second- and Thirdhand Smoke

Do you live in California and have medical conditions made worse by from tobacco smoke intrusion? If you live in multiunit housing, you may be able to get help from California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

A wooden decoration that says “home” and a set of house keys lie on a table. A question about the smoking history on the Seller Property Questionnaire is in the bottom right corner.

What can I do to Avoid Thirdhand Smoke when Buying a House in California?

A team at the Thirdhand Smoke Resource Center examined home disclosure documents commonly used in San Diego to see how well they inform buyers about the smoking history of their potential home.

Children’s Hands Can Tell us if They were Exposed to Thirdhand Smoke

A recent study from San Diego State University suggests that nicotine on the hands of children is one of the most effective ways to measure children’s thirdhand smoke exposure over time and in different environments. In collaboration with colleagues at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the researchers

Silhouette rows of people stand with the words "56 million Americans" in front

56 Million Americans Don’t Know They’re Exposed to Tobacco Smoke – Thirdhand Smoke Could be to Blame

Over half of Americans who don’t smoke are exposed to tobacco, but only one-third are aware of it, according to a recent University of Florida study.

An electronic cigarette and conventional cigarette fight a pair of lungs.

Is the chemical residue from electronically heated tobacco products different from the chemical residue from traditional cigarettes?

A recent study compared the effects of chemical residue from using electronically heated tobacco products to chemical residue from smoking on lung cells. It turns out that both kinds of chemical residue can damage lungs.