People who smoke exhale secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). This smoke is a combination of the smoke that is given off by the burning tobacco and smoke that is exhaled by the smoker. People around the smoker inhale this secondhand smoke in a process that is called "involuntary smoking" or "passive smoking." Involuntary smoking is just as harmful as direct smoking.

When a mother smokes during pregnancy her body passes the harmful chemicals along to her unborn baby. When a parent smokes around a child, that child is exposed to ETS and all its health risks.

ETS is Harmful.

A pregnant woman who smokes runs a higher risk of giving birth prematurely or of having a baby who is not fully developed. Exposing a newborn infant to ETS can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Young children (below the age of 2) exposed to ETS can have more:

• ear infections and hearing problems,
• upper respiratory infections,
• bronchitis and pneumonia along with other breathing problems, and
• asthma.

Any child can suffer harmful effects from ETS. No matter their age, children who are forced to become involuntary smokers:

• can develop asthma,
• can have more frequent and more severe asthma attacks,
• can develop lung cancer,
• can develop heart disease, or
• can develop eye problems such as cataracts.

Pregnant women who are forced to be involuntary smokers and their babies can suffer the same effects as a pregnant woman who smokes.

You Can Keep Your Children Away From ETS.

The best decision is to quit smoking yourself. There are many aids and support services available to people who choose to protect the health of their children and other family members by quitting.

If a person chooses not to quit smoking, at least quit smoking inside the house or in vehicles. Do not smoke in any confined or enclosed area, even if windows are open and there seems to be sufficient air flow. Do not allow others to smoke near your family. Do not take your children to a day care provider who smokes. Take all ashtrays out of your house and vehicle. When you eat out, go to smoke-free restaurants.