Why Quit Smoking?

Experts often say that tobacco exposure does not leave anyone without risk. When it comes to smoking, any efforts of moderation could hardly save you. If you are concerned about your health and that of the people around you, the only way to prevent causing more harm is to quit.

Tobacco smoke contains more than 250 toxic chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic (chemicals that cause cancer). These toxins remain present in the air after the smoker exhales. In fact, secondhand smoke is said to be more harmful than inhaled smoke.

A more recent study confirmed that tobacco contamination is no longer limited to what smoke is still visible in the air. Toxins linger hours after a cigarette is extinguished. This remaining hazard forms over time in carpets, clothes, sofas, curtain and other household materials that easily absorb such. Experts aptly call it as third-hand smoke.

Third-hand smoke poses health risks particularly for children and infants. This is because children are more exposed to surfaces such as floors and walls where toxin is more likely to build up. They tend to touch and play with virtually everything. Infants and toddlers don’t know that the stuff they suck on or put in their mouths is contaminated, but the adults around them should be aware of the potential health risks.

If you ever tried to get the smell of cigarette smoke out of carpets, or clean the smoke residue from walls or furniture, or find one of your favorite shirts or blouses yellowed with smoke, then you are familiar with the affects of third hand smoke.

When you get to consider all the chemicals contained in a pack of cigarette, chances are, parents would agree that their children are in trouble if they continue to smoke at home or in the car.

One recent survey, however, found that only half of the smoking population knows about third-hand smoke. Most smokers wouldn’t react as long as they don’t see smoke being inhaled by their kids. Another study further support this by claiming that merely 65% nonsmokers and 43% smokers believe that third-hand smoke may adversely affect their kids’ health. Because of that, only 26.7% households impose a no-smoking policy inside their homes.

Third-hand smoke is also the leading cause of serious pregnancy complications. Aside from nicotine, which can be considered as poison, cigarettes contain other harmful chemicals such as cyanide (often used in explosives) and arsenic (use to kill mammals and pests). Different types of learning disabilities and diminished IQ is said to be associated with a pregnant woman’s exposure to tobacco products.

It’s time for parents to get serious about quitting smoking to protect their children from both second and third-hand smoke.