Infants and young children whose parents smoke are among the most seriously affected by exposure to secondhand smoke. They experience an increased risk of lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. EPA estimates that passive smoking is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18 months of age annually, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year. Children who have been exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to have reduced lung function and symptoms of respiratory irritation such as cough, excess phlegm, and wheezing. Passive smoking can lead to a buildup of fluid in the middle ear, the single most common cause of hospitalization of children for an operation.
Asthmatic children are especially at risk.
EPA estimates that exposure to secondhand smoke increases the number of episodes and the severity of symptoms for between 200,000 and one million asthmatic children. Passive smoking is also a risk factor contributing to the development of new asthma cases in thousands of children each year. EPA firmly believes that the scientific evidence is sufficient to warrant actions to protect nonsmokers from involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke. Accordingly, we are conducting a public outreach program to communicate the findings of the report to the public. In July, the Agency published a brochure, What You Can Do About Secondhand Smoke, which specifies actions that parents, decision makers, and building occupants can take to protect nonsmokers, including children, from indoor exposure to secondhand smoke.