Smoking and Others
Passive smoking by children and other people

How does smoking affect other people?

• Children and babies who live in a home where there is a smoker:
  • are more prone to asthma and ear, nose and chest infections. About 17,000 children under five years old in England and Wales are admitted to hospital each year due to illnesses caused by their parents smoking.
  • have an increased risk of dying from cot death (sudden infant death syndrome).
  • are more likely than average to become smokers themselves when older.
  • on average, do less well at reading and reasoning skills compared to children in smoke-free homes, even at low levels of smoke exposure.
  • are at increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer as adults.
• Passive smoking of adults. You have an increased risk of lung cancer and heart disease if you are exposed to other people smoking for long periods of time. For example, the risk of developing lung cancer is increased by about 20–30% in people who are regularly exposed to other peoples cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke is also an irritant, and can make asthma and other conditions worse.
• Unborn babies. Smoking when you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. See separate leaflet called 'Smoking and Pregnancy' for details.

Some statistics

The overall health impact of passive smoking is large. Although the health risks for the individual from passive smoking are small in comparison with the health risks from active smoking, the public health consequences of passive smoking are high due to the large numbers of people exposed.

Passive smoking by people living with smokers in the UK is estimated to cause around 2,700 deaths per year in people aged 20–64, and a further 8,000 deaths per year among people aged 65 or older.

Passive smoking by people who work with smokers is estimated to cause the death of more than two people per working day in the UK (617 deaths a year; this includes 54 deaths a year in the hospitality industry).

How can I stop smoking?

About 2 in 3 smokers want to stop smoking. Some people can give up easily. Willpower and determination are the most important aspects when giving up smoking. However, nicotine is a drug of addiction and many people find giving up a struggle. Help is available.

• GPs, practice nurses, or pharmacists can provide help, information, encouragement, and tips on stopping smoking. Also, many parts of the country now have specialist NHS 'Stop Smoking Clinics' which have a good success in helping people to stop smoking. Your doctor may refer you to one if you are keen to stop smoking but are finding it difficult to do so.
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can help if withdrawal symptoms are troublesome. Nicotine gum, sprays, patches, tablets, lozenges, and inhalers are available. Using one of these roughly doubles your chance of stopping smoking if you really want to stop. A pharmacist, GP, practice nurse, or Stop Smoking Clinic can advise about NRT.
• A medicine called bupropion (trade name 'Zyban') is another option. It also roughly doubles your chance of stopping smoking if you really want to stop. It helps to reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. It may be advised by a GP or Stop Smoking Clinic if you are determined to stop smoking, but are finding it difficult.

Further help and information

Quit - a charity that helps people to stop smoking.
Quitline: 0800 00 22 00    Web: www.quit.org.uk

NHS smoking helpline:
Tel: 0800 169 0 169    Web: www.givingupsmoking.co.uk

NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline
Tel: 0800 169 9 169
Lines are open daily from 12 noon - 9pm. Services include support and advice from a trained adviser who understands the different issues pregnancy brings. They also have a call-back service to give ongoing support throughout pregnancy.

© EMIS and PIP 2005   Updated: August 2005   PRODIGY Validated