Urban children with persistent asthma living in homes with smokers are 10 times less likely to be protected by a smoking ban in the home and car than asthmatic children living with no smokers, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
The study, published in the March-April issue of Ambulatory Pediatrics, shows that the message has not reached every parent that any secondhand smoke exposure for children - especially those suffering from asthma - is detrimental to their health. Parents and caregivers may be trying to limit smoke exposure by smoking in a different room or by opening a window in the car, but these strategies aren't very effective.
"Of course, the best case scenario is if the parents or guardians can quit smoking," said lead author Jill Halterman, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. "But that's not always immediately possible. Another option is for parents to institute a "no-smoking" rule in the home and the car, and allow no exceptions to this rule. It is best if smokers always go outside to smoke, and this strategy may also help the parents to eventually quit."