|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Media release Smoking
at home harms kids’ health, IQ Asthma risk increased, learning retarded
| August 2, 2002 |
| Back to Media Releases index |
“
Smoking in the home puts children at higher risk of
developing asthma – as well as retarding their learning ability. The asthma link is confirmed in a new study just published in
the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.* The study of more than 1300 children by the Ludwig Maximilian University
Children's Hospital, Munich, Germany, concludes that “Maternal
smoking… appear(s) to be (a) risk factor… for persistent
sensitization and development of asthma.” “It must be stated”, says the author, “that any smoking
at home has consequences for the development of asthma and other
respiratory conditions.” The study follows recent research from the Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital, USA, showing even small exposure to passive
smoke can cause measurable harm to a child’s learning ability –
damaging reading, maths and reasoning ability.** Says Anne Jones, CEO of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Australia: “This new study on asthma adds to the long list of confirmed harm
caused to kids by exposure to smoke at home. It hurts their bodies and
minds in ways many parents are still not aware of. “As well as the respiratory and learning damage, for example, children
of smokers are also at significantly higher risk of contracting the
deadly meningococcal disease – a risk the tobacco industry has been
monitoring but remaining silent about since 1994.*** “These studies will hopefully help parents to quit smoking - for their
children’s sake.” *
von Mutius E., “Environmental factors influencing the development
and progression of pediatric asthma” in Journal of Allergy & Clinical
Immunology, June 2002: 109(6 Suppl S):S525-S532.
Abstract at www2.us.elsevierhealth.com/scripts/om.dll/serve?action=searchDB&searchDBfor= **
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital study, May 2002: summary at
www.cincinnatichildrens.org/About_us/News_Media/News_Releases/2002/0506- *** See ASH media release November
2001 at www.ashaust.org.au/mediareleases/mr_20011128.htm Comment: Anne
Jones, CEO
ph. (02) 9334-1876
|
|
|
Page last updated on 2/8/2002 |
||