Saying No to Secondhand Smoke
As long as people continue to smoke tobacco, secondhand smoke will threaten
the health of nonsmokers. Still, you can take steps to protect yourself
and your children from other people's smoke­p;at home, at work, and in
public places.
Saying No at Home
Your husband or wife smokes and you don't. Every time your mother visits
and smokes, your son has an asthma attack. Your babysitter smokes.
How can you and your children share air space at home with smokers without
risking your health? Here are some ideas to help you clear the air.
If You Live With a Smoker
- Ask him or her not to smoke inside your home. Look at this booklet together
and discuss how his or her habit puts you and your children at risk.
- If he/she is unwilling to go outside, suggest ways to limit the exposure
to smoke for you and your children. Maybe a room could be set aside for
smoking­p;one that is seldom used by other members of the household.
Some smokers protect others at home by smoking near an open window or when
no one is around.
- Keep rooms well-ventilated. Open windows.
- Support smokers who decide to quit.
When Visitors Come
- Ask all smokers who visit not to smoke in your house or apartment. It's
your right to keep your home free of this health risk.
- Don't keep ashtrays around.
In Others' Homes
- Tell friends and relatives politely that you'd appreciate it if they
do not smoke while you're there.
- Let people know when their smoke is causing immediate problems. If it
is making your allergies worse, making you cough or wheeze, or making your
eyes sting­p;say so. Some smokers may put their cigarettes away when
they see the discomfort it causes.
If You Have Children
- Insist that babysitters, grandparents, or other caregivers not smoke
around your children. Be firm if necessary; your child's health is worth
it.
- Help children avoid secondhand smoke if smokers do use tobacco around
them. Have them leave the room or play outside while an adult is smoking.
Air rooms out after smoking occurs. Keep smokers away from places children
sleep.
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