Smoking Facts 

· Smoking causes major health problems. 

· There are more than 4200 harmful gases and poisons in each cigarette. 

· 1 in 4 children under 12 years of age are regularly exposed to cigarette smoke in the home. 

· Children exposed to cigarette smoke get more colds, allergies and asthma. 

· Children who are around cigarette smoke are more likely to develop ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, breathing problems, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 

· If parents stay smoke free, children will be less likely to become a smoker!

Smoking and Asthma

· Cigarette smoke makes asthma worse.

· Tobacco smoke is a very common asthma trigger. 

· Tobacco smoke can cause coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness. 

· Being around tobacco smoke makes it hard to control asthma. 

· Children with asthma who live in a smokey home will have more swelling in their airways, more asthma problems and may need more medicine to control their asthma. 

· Being exposed to tobacco smoke in the womb and in the first year of life increases the chance of getting asthma. 

Clearing The Air

· Stay away from places where smoking is allowed. 

· Never allow smoking in yoru home or car.  Tobacco smoke clings to clothes, hair, furniture, carpets, windows and walls.

· Have friends and family memers smoke outside.  Tell them why it is important to keep your home smoke free. 

· Keep your car smoke free.  Exposure to tobacco smoke in a car is 23 times more toxic than in a smokey room.

· If you smoke, the best option for you and your child is to quit.  Talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit.

· Smoke outside until you are able to quit.

· Air filters may remove some smoke particles from the air.  They do not remove harmful gases from tobacco smoke.  

Resources to Quit Smoking

· Manitoba Lung Association (204) 774-5501        

· Canadian Cancer Society (Manitoba Division) (204)  774-7483     

· Seven Oaks Wellness Institute (204)  632-3900 

· Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba (204) 949-2000

· Your Physician

Toll-free Smoker’s Helpline:

· Canadian Cancer Society Mantioba & Saskatchewan 1-877-513-5333.

Helpful Websites: 

· www.quit4life.ca

· www.hc-sc.gc.ca (Go Smoke Free)

· www.mb.lung.ca (Not on Tobacco)

· www.lung.ca

Asthma Allie says:

"Tobacco smoke makes asthma worse!"

The Children's Asthma Education Centre ©2010