FRIDAY, Dec. 19, 2008 (HealthDay News) -- Despite progress in establishing clean indoor air policies, 42 percent of U.S. children are still exposed to secondhand smoke each week, according to a new survey.
Secondhand smoke increases children's risk of developing asthma, ear infections and cavities and increases infants' risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Among the other major findings from the Social Climate Survey of Tobacco:
The survey was released this week by the American Legacy Foundation, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and researchers from Mississippi State University.
"Children especially deserve smoke-free environments, and all public places where children eat and play should be protected from secondhand smoke," Dr. Jonathan Klein, director of the American Academy of Pediatrics Julius B. Richmond Center for Excellence, said in an AAP news release. "Adults have the power to make healthier decisions for their children, and there needs to be more done to protect children in homes and cars from the dangers of secondhand smoke."
"The effects of secondhand smoke are serious and should not be minimized," added Cheryl G. Healton, president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation, which is dedicated to reducing tobacco use in the United States.
"Addressing this issue starts with helping adult smokers and parents quit. Most know they are dealing with a tough addiction, so pediatricians and others can provide the tools and resources for parents to re-learn their life without cigarettes," Healton said in the news release.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about children and secondhand smoke.