Second-hand smoke a public health issue

MINERAL COUNTY – Mineral County health officials want the public to be aware of the dangers second-hand smoke exposure can pose especially for children.

According to the Center for Disease Control, second-hand smoke is the combination of smoke from tobacco products and the smoke breathed out from someone using those products.

The CDC states second-hand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are known to be toxic and 70 that are carcinogenic.

Barb Jasper, tobacco prevention specialist at the Mineral County Health Department, said while adults are free to make their own choices regarding use of tobacco products, children often don’t have a choice of being exposed to second-hand smoke.

Jasper said it’s up to adults to do the right thing and not smoke around others.

“We try to put out as much information as possible about the dangers of second-hand smoke,” Jasper said. “Some parts of the population have no control. If you’re a child living in a home with a smoker or riding in a car with a smoker, that person is not able to control their environment.”

According to information supplied by Jasper, “second-hand smoke is especially dangerous for children, babies and women who are pregnant.”

Some of the serious health consequences include an increased likelihood of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, lower birth weight, weak lungs, ear infections, breathing problems and severe asthma.

Jasper said raising awareness among those who do smoke was one of her goals and all they have to do to prevent second-hand smoke exposure is to slightly alter their habits.

“Obviously no smoke would be the best,” Jasper said. “But even if you just go outside to smoke or don’t smoke in the car with kids, that would make a difference.”

Once people were aware of the effects of second-hand smoke on those around them, Jasper hoped they would change their behavior.

She said there were other ways people could support the effort to curb second-hand smoke exposure.

Jasper recommended asking people not to smoke in their home or car and to offer alternatives to smoking such as mints or gum.

She said don’t be afraid to ask people to not smoke around their children and to teach children about the dangers of second-hand smoke.

Jasper said she plans on being aggressive with the campaign to reduce second-hand smoke exposure.

“We plan on having events in the next year and we’re planning on doing some presentations at all three schools.” Jasper said. “We’ll do some promotional things and then we are willing to work with any local businesses that want to do health promotions with their employees.”

Anyone who wants more information about the dangers of second-hand smoke, the benefits of quitting smoking or any other related questions can contact Jasper at the Mineral County Health Department at 822-3564.