Studies show that children exposed to cigarette smoke in the home have more upper respiratory infections and more difficulty recovering from upper respiratory infections. These children may have more problems with chronic cough and chronic middle-ear infections. Lung problems caused or aggravated by passive smoke in childhood can extend into adult life. Children in households where one or both parents smoke have twice the amount of bronchitis, pneumonia and are hospitalized more frequently before their first birthday than children of non-smoking parents. If both parents smoke, teens are more likely to become smokers themselves.
Teenage smoking is a major health problem.
If teens continue to smoke they may find it difficult to quit. As a result, they suffer greater long-term health effects. Smoking is a proven risk factor for cancer, heart disease and progressive lung diseases like emphysema. People with Asthma and Other Respiratory Conditions Passive smoke is a major cause of respiratory symptoms. Studies show it may be a major factor in the development of asthma in children under five.