How to Keep Your Child Safe From Second Hand Smoke

Take your child to non-smoking environments only. Many states have banned smoking in restaurants and public places such as malls, but for those who have not, make sure you keep your child away from second hand smoke by avoiding smoke filled public areas. Children who are around second hand smoke in public places can easily breath in the toxins from cigarettes and are more likely to get sick. A child's immune system is not as developed as an adults and exposure to second hand smoke can cause illnesses that many adults fight off easier than children. Keeping your child away from public smoking places can greatly increase their chances of staying well. Taking a child into a public area where smoking is allowed, even for a few minutes, can harm their lungs and cause difficulty breathing. Prevent second hand smoke exposure in children by keeping them away from places that allow public smoking.

Smoke outdoors to prevent second hand smoke exposure. Children who come from homes where parents or caregivers smoke indoors have more instances of illnesses and respiratory problems than those children whose parents do not smoke around them. Be kind to your child's lungs and smoke outdoors if you have a cigarette habit. This means, not only in the home, but also avoid smoking in the car, restaurants that allow smoking, and anywhere close to your child where he could inhale the cigarette smoke. Keeping your child safe from second hand smoke means giving him fresh air as much as possible and avoiding situations where he could be exposed to a lot of second hand smoke. Ask others to not smoke around your child as well and make sure they go outside if they must smoke when they come to visit your home. Not only will your home smell fresh and clean, but your child will feel healthier than being in a smoke infested house.

Make sure to protect your child with a mask and/or get him fresh air. If your child must be in an environment where he is exposed to second hand smoke say at your job, in a family member's home, or in public places where smoking is allowed, help protect him by covering his face with a mask. This also includes any second hand smoke that is avoidable such as a house fire, burning wood pile, or heavily polluted area where smoke and soot exist. It's also good to constantly get your child fresh air if he is exposed to second hand smoke. Helping your child's lungs breath easier is as simple as getting him away from second hand smoke and into fresh, clean air as soon as possible. Giving your child fresh air often in instances when he is exposed to second hand smoke can help to clear his lungs out and prevent the occurrence of illnesses and infections. If being in a smoke infested environment is avoidable, carry a light breathing mask (you can get one at any hospital or doctor's office free) and get your child into fresh air immediately.