ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO-SMOKE - A HAZARD TO CHILDREN

Results of epidemiologic studies provide strong evidence that exposure of children to environmental tobacco smoke is associated with increas ed rates of lower respiratory illness and increased rates of middle ea r effusion, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome. Exposure during childhood may also be associated with development of cancer during adu lthood. This statement reviews the health effects of environmental tob acco smoke on children and offers pediatricians a strategy for promoti ng a smoke-free environment.