Link Between Second-Hand Smoke and Allergies

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

08 Aug 2008 10:21 AM

Here is another warning against exposing your baby to second-hand smoke. A recent study took a look at infants who are exposed to second-hand smoke and found a link between that exposure and the risk of developing allergies, both indoor inhalant allergies and food allergies. Since food allergies can easily be deadly and inhalant allergies can lead to asthma, the results of this study are important to note.

The study took place in Sweden. There were 2,534 children in the study, and each child was followed from birth through the age of four years old. The study found the following occurrences.

Children who were exposed to second-hand smoke were 1.6 times more likely to have food allergies, 2 times as likely to be allergic to cats, 2.1 times more likely to be allergic to horses, and 3.2 times more likely to be allergic to mold. In each case, the risk of developing allergies is anywhere from more than one-and-a-half times to more than 3-times normal for a child exposed to second-hand smoke.

One more interesting things about the study is that the amount of second-hand smoke, or the dose, was directly related to the response in the children. In other words, the more second-hand smoke a child was exposed to, the great the risk of that child being allergic.

I have a definite opinion that children, especially infants, should not be exposed to second-hand smoke and all of its toxins. While out in public with my children, I will either move my family or ask the smoking person to stop, whichever the situation calls for (you can't move too far while waiting for a bus in the rain under a shelter for example). While I support the right for anyone to smoke, I also believe I have a right to protect my children from harm. I might simply be honest. "I think you should be able to smoke, but would you mind putting it out right now for my kids?" If that doesn't work, I could always whip out a breast and start breast feeding.

What do you think?

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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