The more they are exposed, the greater the harm to their health. Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to infants and young children because their lungs and immune systems are still developing. Young children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to cough and suffer from postnasal drip or asthma. Even the common cold hits exposed children more frequently and harder. And they get more ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Secondhand smoke irritates the tube that joins the nose with the middle ear.
This irritation can cause ear infections which can cause hearing loss. These diseases harm children. They also take a toll on parents. They may have to take time for trips to a clinic or hospital. The damage from secondhand smoke doesn t stop in childhood.