Thirdhand smoke is definitely a particular thing that could bring harm to so many people. Especially, in this whole wide world. Not just adults that got affected, this kind of smoke could also affect babies. It is indeed so heartbreaking to see and to know that they have to face the consequences made by other irresponsible people at such a young age.
A lot of people might not know about this situation. The worst part would be that they even take this thing lightly. Even after they have been acknowledged for it just because the babies are still young. When the smokers got asked, they always responded by saying that they have played their role to take precautionary steps about it. For example, they will always smoke their cigarette or even vape outside of their house. Where there is no presence of the babies.
Little did they know, that is not the only factor that could make the babies inhale thirdhand smoke. As stated by Dr. Samhan in his tweet, “Third smoker is those who are exposed to the residue of cigarettes or vape left by the first and also the second smoker. Do not assume that babies or children are safe when you smoke outside the home”.
KESAN SISA ASAP PEROKOK
“Doktor, anak saya ini dah berbulan batuk. Jumpa doktor, doktor bagi neb, baik sekejap. Lepas tu batuk balik”
“Ala kesiannya. Umur baru 10 bulan. Ayahnya merokok tak?”
— Dr Samhan (@DoktorSamhan) December 27, 2022
He also added, “When a smoker smokes, the traces of cigarette or vape residue are still attached to the skin, clothes, benches, sofas, floors, curtains, in the car, and it would stick even after hours left by the smoker”. Very dangerous!
Health Risks From The Thirdhand Smoke
1) Potential Of Sudden Death
The Health Consequence of Tobacco Use reports that the probability of young babies getting sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is high for babies that have cigarette or vape smoke in their surroundings. It is also bad for babies in the womb.
2) Respiratory Problems
Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) Pediatric Respiratory Physician, Dr. Norzila Mohamed Zainudin said, “If adults breathe in 15/16 breathing rates per minute, children’s breathing rates are higher, in 40 to 50. That means that with a faster breathing rate, they will inhale more stale smoke than adults”.
3) Fatigue attack
Babies who live in a house with mothers or fathers who smoke are more likely to suffer from asthma when compared to babies who live in homes that do not contain cigarette or vape smoke.
4) Inhibits brain development
According to data from the American For Non-Smokers’ Rights, the effects of this residual smoke can inhibit a child’s ability to learn. In addition, the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics study also linked cigarette smoke as one of the causes of children who are hyperactive, violent, depressed, and suffer from ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), especially among boys.
5) Lung infection
The problem of lung inflammation (bronchitis) can happen to children. More chronic, it can turn into a more serious illness such as pneumonia where you start experiencing fever, cough, irritability, not wanting to drink milk and not being active.
Sources: Twitter Dr. Samhan.
