Respiratory illness is increased noticeable in children of active smokers who suffer from more acute respiratory illness, wheezing, middle ear infections, sore throats and problems of lung infection. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Growth may be a combination of the mother smoking during pregnancy, and passive smoking by the child after birth. Increased incidence of bronchitis, pneumonia, and chest illness in adults and children. Meningitis recent studies indicate a possible association between meningococcal disease and passive smoking during childhood.
Heart disease increases the risk of coronary heart disease.
The legal ramifications of smoking in the workplace are now becoming apparent. In Australia there have been at least 10 cases since 1980 where workers have received compensation for injuries incurred as a result of passive smoking in the workplace. As a result increasing numbers of employers are making their workplaces smoke-free.