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Lansing's Advice Column

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Dear IMO,

My children, ages 9 and 11, often play with the children who live next door. They are very sweet and polite kids, but their mother is a smoker. When they play inside with them, they return home with a heavy smell of cigarette smoke imbedded in their clothing. My kids always have a fun time over there, but I'm worried about the potential for health problems if they are exposed to second hand smoke? Should I be worried? If so, who should I do?

Sincerely,
Pamela

Dear Pamela,

You have every right to be concerned about your children's health when they are at their friends' house. Second hand smoke, even in small amounts, is harmful to children, adults, and even pets. It contains numerous toxins, such as lead, which can have a devastating effect on a child's development. Some physicians and health care experts believe that exposing children to second hand smoke is a form of abuse as it causes harm to their lungs, developing brains, and other body systems. In some instances in can induce asthma attacks and even death. The health problems are all well documented and should be taken seriously.

There are several ways to approach this subject. First, sit down with your children and have them explain how they feel when they are at this house? Ask them if they get tired easily, or are short of breath? Do they feel uncomfortable being in a smoke-filled house? See if they could invite their friends to play in your home so as to avoid the cigarette smoke.

Secondly, have your neighbor over for coffee and, in a diplomatic fashion, bring up the topic of cigarettes. See if she understands the harm it causes the smoker as well as those who have to breathe in all that foul air. Perhaps she might want to quit, but isn't sure how to go about it. You might be able to offer her some assistance in finding a smoking cessation program. Above all, be courteous and helpful, and she just might take your advice.

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