Shield your children from the malign effects of tobacco smoke, which can infiltrate all corners of a family home.

The stats are shocking. Almost one Queenslander a day will die from inhaling tobacco smoke this year, without ever having smoked a cigarette in their life.

The effects of secondhand smoke are so often understated — and so alarming.

Around 3,000 Queenslanders will die from a tobacco-related disease this year. The World Health Organisation estimates about 300 of these deaths will be due to secondhand smoke inhalation.

Pervasive

Cancer Council Queensland launched its first-ever resource to assist Queenslanders in making their home a smoke-free zone to protect family members from deadly chemicals found in secondhand smoke.

Secondhand smoke inhalation can cause lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems in adults, and SIDS, asthma, poor lung function and bronchitis in children.

Secondhand smoke harms everyone, but it’s especially dangerous to babies and children.

What many don’t know is that secondhand smoke can linger in a home long after a cigarette is finished — on furniture, curtains, dust, clothing, toys and floors.

Safe Distancing

Smokers may think because they are in another room, or have opened a window for ventilation, that the cigarette vapour won’t affect family members.

The truth is if you are inside the house, there is no safe distance between secondhand smoke and your children, or other members of your household.

Smokers are encouraged to move at least four metres from open doors or windows, to protect loved ones from inhaling poisonous tobacco smoke chemicals.

Making your home totally smoke-free is the only way to protect your family from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.

Resources

Cancer Council Queensland’s ‘Make your home a smoke-free zone’ factsheet is available for download.

The factsheet explains the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, dispels common myths, outlines the benefits of a smoke-free home and offers advice for asking visitors to smoke outside.

Smokers, we’re asking you to consider the harmful effects of your habit on friends, family and the community, and to take the necessary steps to quit.

Queenslanders can obtain free information, practical assistance and support from Quitline, 13 QUIT (13 7848), or join the QUEST to quit.

More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available online or through the Cancer Council Helpline, 13 11 20.

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Originally published at Mum Daily. Photo by Maksim Goncharenok.