Secondhand smoke is extremely dangerous for babies. Among other things, it weakens their lungs, makes them more prone to ear infections, and doubles the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). At the very minimum, make sure nobody smokes anywhere in your house, no exceptions.Cigarettes are very effective devices for spreading harmful chemicals, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, and a variety of potent human carcinogens, all over your house. If you light up in one room, the smoke will be detectable in the entire house within minutes – and that includes the baby's room.Many of the chemicals and fine particles that make secondhand smoke so dangerous immediately stick to just about everything in the house, including clothes, toys, bottles, carpets, walls, furniture, and even stainless steel. (This mixture of leftover tobacco smoke contaminants is called thirdhand smoke.)Over the following weeks and months, these contaminants are slowly released back into the air – the same air that your baby breathes.

Your baby may also be exposed if she puts contaminated objects in her mouth or sleeps on a pillow that has become a reservoir of tobacco smoke pollutants.My colleagues and I recently searched for traces of residual smoke in homes where smokers tried to protect infants by never lighting up in the same room as the baby. air purifier for bird roomThe levels of nicotine and other chemicals throughout the house were about five to seven times higher than the levels in nonsmokers' houses. aircon servicing singapore cheapEven more important, urine tests showed that the babies in families with smokers had been exposed to eight times as much secondhand smoke as in the homes of nonsmokers.what's the best air purifierIn fact, there were elevated levels of tobacco pollutants even in homes where smokers lit up only outside.

Smokers spread contaminants wherever they go – pollutants seep out of their clothes, skin, hair, and breath. So before getting close to a baby, smokers should wear clean clothes (that they haven't worn while smoking), wash their hands and face (especially after smoking), and never let the baby suck on their fingers.We also studied pollutant levels in homes after smokers moved out and nonsmokers moved in. We found that the homes where people regularly smoked tobacco became reservoirs of thirdhand smoke. Nonsmokers may be exposed to these chemicals for months after smokers have moved out, even after the home is cleaned. So before you rent an apartment or buy a house, ask whether the previous residents were nonsmokers.If your house has already been contaminated with cigarette smoke, try clearing the air by opening some windows and doors. Using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter might help for a while, but you'll have to change or clean the filters often because they'll get clogged quickly.

Vacuuming your house with a machine that's equipped with a HEPA filter is also a good idea. Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth, and frequently wash your baby's toys, blankets, and any other objects she may stick in her mouth.Some companies sell "air purifiers" or "ozone machines" to try to remove, neutralize, or camouflage the unpleasant odor of stale tobacco smoke. These devices often use chemical processes that can create additional irritants and toxic substances.Shielding a baby from smoke is almost impossible to do effectively in a household of smokers, but it's critically important to protect babies from harmful substances. So if you're concerned about your baby's health, urge and support the smokers in your house to quit for good. It's the best protection your baby can get.Smoke from the end of a burning cigarette that goes into the air.  Smoke that is breathed out into the airSmoke that is breathed out into the air is more harmful than both the smoke from the end of the burning cigarette and the smoke that is breathed in by the smoker.

To learn about what is in cigarette smoke, read our page on facts and statistics.Removes the health risks of secondhand smoke.The air will be fresher, cleaner and will smell better.You will be able to breathe easier.The chance of fire in your home will be lower.Your children will be less likely to smoke.Pets will be healthier.The resale value of your home and car may be greater.Your food will taste and smell better.Opening a windowTurning on a fanClosing a doorSpraying air freshenerSmoking in another roomUsing an air purifierBlowing smoke in a different directionTalk about it. Sit down with everyone living in your home and talk about ways to reduce secondhand smoke.   Make a list of the reasons for your family to reduce smoke in your home and car.Set a date that you are going to reduce smoke in your home and car by.Ask others not to smoke in your home or car. Use the list of reasons your family came up with to tell them why.Set up an area outside for people who smoke. Sit outside or go for a walk with your friends. 

Make a sign or put up a sticker or magnet in your home and car that lets people know that you don’t smoke in these places. Remove all ashtrays, lighters, matches and smoking paraphernalia from inside your home. Clean out your car’s ashtray and remove it or fill it with something else like candies or coins.Wash your hands, brush your teeth or use mouthwash and change your clothes after having a cigarette.Ask caregivers and babysitters not to smoke in your home and car.Thank your friends and family for helping you to reduce or eliminate smoke from your home and car.  Throw a party, have a special dinner, a movie night or do something you love to celebrate.Wear a warm coat. Wear a hat and scarf. Make a hot drink like tea or hot chocolate when you get back inside. Stand under an overhead shelter.   Use a good, strong umbrella. Sit in the shade.Put your feet in water. Wear clothes that help you stay cool. Many women who smoke feel that smoking helps with stress and that the more stress they are under, the more they want to smoke.