Kids and Smoke Don't Mix

Tobacco smoke, vape aerosol, and marijuana smoke all contain chemicals that are harmful to pregnant women and young children. There is no risk-free level of secondhand exposure to these products. 

Tobacco Smoke

Over half of California's kids are exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke, which contains about 70 cancer-causing chemicals. ¹   

If you smoke around infants and young children, the risks go up for: 

• SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) - infants are three times more likely to die of SIDS if born into a house with smokers. 
• Illness - secondhand smoke can cause ear infections, asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
• Learning problems

If you smoke when pregnant, the risks go up for:

• Preterm labor - can cause baby to be born early and too small
• Low birth weight – baby is born less than 5 lbs 8 oz and can have trouble with eating, gaining weight, and fighting off illness
• Less oxygen – slows growth and harms the heart, lungs, and brain
• Placenta issues – baby can’t get enough food to grow
• Birth defects – can include a cleft lip or palate
• Miscarriage – pregnancy loss before 20 weeks
• Stillbirth – pregnancy loss after 20 weeks

Vapor or Aerosol

Vaping is on the rise, especially among youth. The U.S. Surgeon General states that while vapes generally emit fewer toxic chemicals than cigarettes, the aerosol that is emitted from these devices is not just water vapor. Most is a mixture of nicotine, tiny particles of heavy metals, and chemicals. Vape aerosol, like cigarette smoke, contains ultrafine particles, which settle deeply into the lungs when inhaled by people using it or near it.² 

Vapes contain e-liquid that comes in thousands of flavors, many of which appeal to kids, like bubble gum and grape. These sweet flavors may tempt kids to drink the e-liquid or put vapes in their mouth.

Quitting

Quitting is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. We can develop a plan that’s right for you. Our counseling has been proven to double your chances of quitting for good. Tobacco users may qualify for a free, two-week starter kit of nicotine patches sent directly to your home. Call 1-800-NO-BUTTS weekdays, 7 am to 9 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. Or sign up online and we'll call you. 

Marijuana 

With the legalization of marijuana in 2016, more Californians are being exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke, which has over 450 chemicals, many that cause cancer. Kids exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke face increased health risks, similar to tobacco smoke exposure.

More Resources

• Staying smoke-free with a new baby
• SmokefreeMOM - a free text messaging programming for pregnant women who want to quit smoking