AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 9/16/2007 Subject: Passive smoking
Question Hi Michael,
My in-laws often care for my 3 year old daughter in their home. They are both smokers but assure me they do not smoke in their home when my daughter is there. I know that they DO smoke in the home when she isn't there. Could she still be at risk of exposure to the effects passive smoking?
Thanks & regards
Nikki
Answer Dear Nikki,
This is a great question. The facts are that nicotine and other chemicals in smoke can persist on hands, clothes, carpets, etc for some time, and babies can get exposed. Some people call this 'third-hand smoke'. This is less of a risk for a 3 year old. However, we don't know if this small exposure is a health risk.
Do your in-laws go outside to smoke when your daughter is there?
Personally I think the benefit of having grandparents involved in your child's life outweighs this small risk. But the best option would be for them to quit.
You or they can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW toll free and get information on resources in your state. Some states have a toll free quit line that may be useful and/or pay for quitting medications.
Buy them a copy of "The EasyWay to Quit Smoking" by Allen Carr. He explains how smoking has no positive benefit in your life and the many advantages of quitting. The book has been a best seller in Europe for many years, and they might find it useful.
On Call: Babies and Thirdhand Smoke
By Dr. Claire McCarthy
Q My father, brother, and husband all smoke. They don't do it in the house or anywhere near my 3-month-old, but you can still smell it on them and in the car. Could this hurt the baby?
A I'm afraid so. The harmful chemicals in smoke seep into hair, skin, and clothes (which is what makes them smell so bad). This means that your baby can breathe in those toxins when, say, his dad cuddles him, or even when he's simply been where smoke has been. Chemicals that have gotten into furniture or car upholstery, which isn't often washed, may linger there for months, then be rereleased into the air for your child to inhale. Though scientists aren't sure how damaging these traces of toxic chemicals can be, even these small amounts seem to have the same effect as a low dose of secondhand smoke.
To minimize the risks, tell your husband to wash his hands as soon as he comes into the house after smoking — in a perfect world, he'd shower and change, too. Ask your brother and father to bathe and put on clean clothes before they visit, and make sure they wash their hands before holding the baby.
I'm glad your family's not smoking around the baby, because that would be far worse for his health. Really, though, the only way for there to be zero risk to your baby is to make sure there are no smokers around him, period. Of course, this is easier said than done. But what better incentive to stop smoking than to keep their own child or grandchild healthy? Point out that quitting smoking sets a good example for your child down the road — and greatly increases their chances of living long enough to see him grow up.
Parenting, May 2006
Good luck,
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
