sdbest

"Scientific evidence carefully collected over the last 30 years by many different scientists in a wide variety of settings clearly shows that people repeatedly exposed to environmental tobacco smoke are more likely to develop and die from heart problems, lung cancer, and breathing problems. It can also cause chest infections, ear infections, excessive coughing and throat irritation.

"Because children breathe faster than adults they are particularly vulnerable to environmental tobacco smoke. Parents who smoke increase the chances that their children will develop asthma by 200 to 400 per cent. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are also more likely to develop ear infections. Your decision to smoke may also send a message to your children that it is okay if they start to smoke.

"Environmental tobacco smoke works quickly. Tests show that within a matter of seconds after a pregnant woman breathes in environmental tobacco smoke it begins to affect her unborn baby. For example, at a certain age, unborn babies begin to "practice" the skills they will need to breathe later on. Muscles in their chests normally go through rhythmic contractions. But within seconds of being exposed to environmental tobacco smoke, these contractions can suddenly stop for hours at a time.

"Even your pets can be affected by your second-hand smoke. They too are more likely to develop cancer and other health problems." Source: Health Canada