Dr. Devang Doshi, director of pediatric pulmonology, allergy and
immunology at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich., said, "This
study gives us more insight into the bad effects of secondhand
smoke exposure from a respiratory and cardiac standpoint." "A
lot of people don't realize that when you smoke in the house,
children are continuously exposed. It's always in the house; the
smoke doesn't just go away," he added. Doshi said his first
advice to parents is to quit smoking. Failing that, he said he
advises parents to go outside, away from the house to smoke, and
to wear at least two layers of clothing. Then, when they come
back in the house, he recommends removing the top layer of
clothing and washing your hands to try to limit your child's
exposure. "Don't smoke," advised Groner, "and have a total ban
on smoking around your child." To learn more about the effects
of secondhand smoke, visit the American Lung Association.
SOURCES: Judith Groner, M.D., pediatrician and ambulatory care
physician, and John Bauer