Smoke in dust risk to children

By REBECCA WALSH health reporter

Babies whose parents smoke inside - even if they are in a different room - are exposed to second-hand smoke through contaminated house dust and surfaces.

An American study, published in the British Medical Journal's quarterly Tobacco Control journal, shows that when someone smokes indoors, second-hand smoke particles are absorbed into walls, furniture, clothes and other surfaces. The smoke can remain in the home for months.

Wellington Hospital paediatrician Allan Farrell said that was particularly dangerous for children as they spent a lot of time indoors and often played on the floor, in close proximity to dust and objects contaminated by second-hand smoke.

"This relatively low dosage can accumulate over the course of weeks to levels equivalent to several hours of active adult smoking," he said.

'The negative health effects of second-hand smoke don't just disappear after people finish their cigarette."

Dr Farrell said exposure to second-hand smoke could trigger asthma attacks in children and was linked to glue ear and sudden infant death syndrome.

Forty-nine infants aged 2 to 13 months and their mothers took part in the study.

It found exposure to second-hand smoke was five to seven times higher in households where smokers tried to protect their children from smoke than in the households of non-smokers.

The director of anti-tobacco group Ash, Trish Fraser, said although people were more aware of the risks of second-hand smoke - workplaces, including restaurants and bars would go smoke-free in December - many continued to smoke at home and in the car, exposing children.

About 350 New Zealanders died as a result of second-hand smoke a year and one of the group's aims had been to stop smokers exposing non-smokers to smoke.

"This article would say even doing that is not good enough."

While the best thing was to quit smoking, those who couldn't should try to reduce the amount they smoked and smoke outside with the windows closed.

Health Sponsorship Council director Iain Potter said there was a misconception that smoking in another room could protect children. "I'm sure parents would think twice . . if they realised they were contaminating their homes."

The council was developing a second-hand smoke media campaign.

The American study suggested serious consideration should be given to methods of decontaminating homes, cars and furniture. Public policies might also be needed requiring the disclosure of the smoking status of former tenants.