Smoking Facts:
- Smoking causes major health problems.
- There are more than 4200 harmful gases and poisons in each cigarette.
- 1 in 4 children under 12 years of age are regularly exposed to cigarette smoke in the home.
- Children exposed to cigarette smoke get more colds, allergies and asthma.
- Children who are around cigarette smoke are more likely to develop ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, breathing problems, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- If parents stay smoke free, children will be less likely to become a smoker!
- Parents and caregivers who smoke send a message that it is okay to smoke.
Smoking and Asthma
- Cigarette smoke makes asthma worse.
- Tobacco smoke is a very common asthma trigger.
- Tobacco smoke can cause coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness.
- Being around tobacco smoke makes it hard to control asthma.
- Children with asthma who live in a smoky home will have more swelling in their airways, more asthma problems and may need more medicine to control their asthma.
- Being exposed to tobacco smoke in the womb and in the first year of life increases the chance of getting asthma.
Clearing The Air
- Never allow smoking in your home or car. Tobacco smoke clings to clothes, hair, furniture, carpets, windows, walls, and gives off harmful gases.
- If you smoke, the best option for you and your child is to quit. Talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit.
- Smoke outside until you are able to quit.
- Have friends and family members smoke outside. Tell them why it is important to keep your home smoke free.
- Keep your car smoke free. Exposure to tobacco smoke in a car is 23 times more toxic than in a smoky room.
- In Canada, most provinces, including Manitoba have already adopted laws to ban smoking in cars with children.
- Stay away from places where smoking is allowed.
Resources to Quit Smoking
Your Physician
Manitoba Lung Association (204) 774-5501
Canadian Cancer Society (Manitoba Division) (204) 774-7483
Seven Oaks Wellness Institute (204) 632-3900
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba (204) 949-2000
Toll-free Smoker’s Helpline:
Canadian Cancer Society Manitoba & Saskatchewan 1-877-513-5333
Helpful Websites:
www.quit4life.ca
www.quitnow.ca
www.mb.lung.ca
www.lung.ca
Helpful Apps:
Break it Off mobile phone app
Asthma Allie says:
"Tobacco smoke makes asthma worse!"
The Children's Allergy & Asthma Education Centre ©2014