Secondhand smoke is the smoke breathed out by smokers and the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar or pipe.
Children are especially susceptible to secondhand smoke.
Since their lungs are still developing, childhood exposure to secondhand smoke results in decreased lung function. They also are more likely to suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis, and other lung diseases, as well as develop asthma, which is the leading serious chronic childhood disease in the United States. These result in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations. How to Protect Yourself and Your Family Don't smoke in your home. Ask other people not to smoke in your home, especially baby-sitters or others who may care for your children.