In spite of public health campaigns, asthmatic children are still exposed to secondhand smoke

Over the years, public health officials have warned of the effects that secondhand smoke can have on children — particularly those who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases. However, according to a recent study published in Academic Pediatrics, a large number of kids who have asthma are still breathing in this dangerous trigger on a regular basis. 

Reuters reports that approximately half of children ages six through 19 were exposed to secondhand smoke between 2003 and 2010, causing many asthmatic kids to miss school and encounter difficulty sleeping.

Interestingly enough, thanks to a number of Clean Indoor Air Act laws that have been enacted over the past decade or so, the source notes that "secondhand smoke exposure has dropped for adults more than for kids."

"[These] laws are designed to protect individuals in workplaces, which includes bars and restaurants," tobacco control researcher Amy Ferketich of The Ohio State University in Columbus told the news outlet. "Children tend to be exposed to (secondhand smoke) in homes and cars, and these places are not included in most clean indoor air laws and policies."

The good news is that in addition to ensuring that your child isn't inhaling secondhand smoke, there are other steps you can take to ensure that he or she is protected from potential triggers. Installing an allergen air purifier in your son or daughter's bedroom, for example, can remove harmful particles directly from the air.

At Allergy Be Gone, we sell a number of asthma and allergy control products, including air purifiers and allergy bedding. Visit our website today to find out more!