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Secondhand Smoke Worse for Children

Publish date: Oct 21, 2008

Children exposed to secondhand smoke often have levels of carbon monoxide in their blood that are similar to those of adult smokers, and frequently higher levels than adults exposed to secondhand smoke, a new study found.

The study, to be presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting that concludes Oct. 22 in Orlando, Fla., said the younger the child, the greater the potential for exposure.

"The physiology of children -- especially the youngest -- is different from that of adults," Dr. Branden E. Yee, of the anesthesiology department at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, said in a news release issued by the society. "Children breathe in a greater amount of air per body weight compared to adults."

The study measured levels of carboxyhemoglobin, which is formed when carbon monoxide binds to the blood, in 200 children between the ages of 1 and 12. The exact ramifications of high levels of carboxyhemoglobin are not entirely known, but long-term, low-level exposure includes changes in heart and lung tissue as it hampers delivery of oxygen to body tissue.

While household and environmental factors such as stoves, heaters and automobiles are potential sources of carbon monoxide exposure, secondhand cigarette smoke is often the most likely source of elevated carboxyhemoglobin, the researchers said.

Yee said educating parents about the need to change their smoking habits, especially around children, is vital.

"Personalized education coupled with the act of physically showing a parent the carboxyhemoglobin measurement in his or her child's blood may provide a graphic and concrete message to that parent," he said.

Smoking Facts

You can reap the benefits of quitting smoking in as little as 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes

Blood pressure and pulse rate improve to healthier levels.

After 8 hours

Carbon monoxide and oxygen levels in blood return to normal.

After 1 day

Your chance of a heart attack decreases.

After 2 days

Nerve endings regenerate; sense of smell and taste are enhanced.

After 2 weeks

Circulation improves and lung function increases.

After 1-9 months

Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath decrease.

After 1 year

Chance of heart attack is cut in half.

After 5 years

Stroke risk is reduced to the same levels as a non-smoker.

After 10 years

Risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a current smoker.

After 15 years

Risk of coronary heart disease and death is about the same as it is for those who have never smoked.

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