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ASTHMA FACT SHEET: |
What is tobacco smoke?
Tobacco smoke or secondhand smoke is a mixture of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar or tobacco pipe and the exhaled smoke from a smoker’s lungs. There are thousands of toxins in tobacco smoke such as fine particles and volatile organic compounds that harm the lungs. Tobacco smoke stays in the air for many hours after the cigarette, cigar or tobacco pipe has been put out.
Tobacco smoke irritates the lung airways which can cause an asthma attack. A pregnant woman that smokes increases the risk of her child developing asthma. Tobacco smoke can cause preschool-aged children to develop asthma with prolonged contact. Contact with tobacco smoke can make a child’s asthma more severe. Tobacco smoke weakens the lungs of young children, increasing the risk of developing allergies and sensitivities to other irritants.
How can tobacco smoke be controlled?
- Seek help to stop smoking if you or someone you know has asthma.
- Do not smoke or let other people smoke inside your home or car.
- If you must smoke, smoke outside. Smoke sticks to clothing. Wear a “smoking jacket” and leave it outside.
- Smoking is prohibited on school grounds, some hospital and university campuses, and other public places. Familiarize yourself with smoking ordinances.
- Encourage people, especially children and young adults, not to smoke.
- Do not allow smoking in places where a child lives or spends a significant amount of time (e.g. relative’s home, car, babysitter, etc)
Would you like to quit smoking?
For help to stop smoking visit:
Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation.
American Lung Association