Go Out for Your Kids Secondhand Smoke Prevention Campaign

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
 
The winter months are the time of year that people spend the least amount of time outdoors. This mean that children whose parents or caregivers smoke are most at risk for experiencing the health effects of secondhand smoke. So, the Garrett County Health Department is promoting a campaign to “Go Out for Your Kids.”

“We are encouraging anyone who smokes or vapes to throw on a coat and a hat and step outside when you light up, especially if you have children,” said Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Sharon Custer of the health department. “It’s not enough to go to another room or turn on a fan or open a window.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, smoking in another room like a bathroom or bedroom still pollutes all the air in your home. Smoke goes under doors, windows, and through cracks. Air purifiers and air fresheners do not remove smoke’s poisons. Smoke from one cigarette can stay in a room for hours.

“When young people breathe secondhand smoke, they are more likely to have ear infections, asthma attacks, coughing and wheezing spells, bronchitis and pneumonia,” Custer warned.

The “Go Out for Your Kids” campaign recommends that smokers never smoke in their homes or their cars, instead opting to smoke only outdoors. Another option is to quit smoking. The Garrett County Health Department provides ongoing Quit Now classes or phone support at no cost. Nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges are available, as well as Chantix or Zyban.

For more information or to register for support, call the health department at 301-501-8574 or the Maryland Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or www.kickingtobacco.com.