The air to breath
This is a serious topic. Much has been said, already, about clean air free from harmful substances. Many factors are not under your control, such as the pollution levels in a city. But where it is up to you, you should act in favour of the child. An important factor is smoking.
Smoking is unhealthy. This is well known. The same applies to passive smoking. But children are more vulnerable than grown-ups. The unborn in their mother’s womb are even more at risk. Consider this: cigarette smoke, with all its harmful chemicals, remains in the air, the clothes, curtains, pillows, upholstered furniture, even after the cigarette has been put out. Since children spend much of their time indoors, and close to their parents, you should be the first to take this into consideration. If you cannot give up smoking completely, then at least smoke outdoors and not near your children. It is your responsibility.
The greatest health risk
Children, who are exposed to tobacco smoke, have a high cancer risk. The harmful substances in smoke can increase asthma and the risk of acute and chronic infections such as inflammation of the middle ear, pneumonia and bronchitis. They inhibit the lung function and can lead to behavioural disorders. Active or passive smoking during pregnancy contains further risks for the unborn.
The development of the unborn in the womb can be seriously impaired by the toxics in tobacco smoke. It may lead to premature birth, miscarriage, and still born babies. A new born child that has been exposed to smoke during pregnancy, usually weighs less than other new born children. It has a higher tendency for allergies as well as acute and chronic respiratory infections, and a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Please, think about this.
