Study Finds Children Living With People Who Smoke Miss More School
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: August 2, 2012
A recent study published by the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics shows children living with one or more adults who smoke in the home were absent from school more days per year than children in a smoke-free home.
The study also showed that children living with two or more adults who smoked in the home also reported more ear infections and chest colds than those living in smoke-free homes.
"As Arkansas parents prepare for children to start school, we want them to be aware how smoking in the home affects their children's performance and chances of success," said Dr. Carolyn Dresler, medical director of the Arkansas Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program. "Smoking in the home exposes children to dangerous toxins that can have a short- and long-term negative impact on their health, school performance, and social and intellectual growth."
More than 14 percent in the study, representing 2.6 million children, lived with at least one resident who smoked in the home.
The Arkansas Tobacco Quitline provides a free service for parents who want to quit tobacco and create a smoke-free home.
Free counseling with a trained Quit Coach and nicotine replacement therapy medications are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
For more information about the Quitline, click here, or to read the full PEDIATRICS study, click here.
The study also showed that children living with two or more adults who smoked in the home also reported more ear infections and chest colds than those living in smoke-free homes.
"As Arkansas parents prepare for children to start school, we want them to be aware how smoking in the home affects their children's performance and chances of success," said Dr. Carolyn Dresler, medical director of the Arkansas Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program. "Smoking in the home exposes children to dangerous toxins that can have a short- and long-term negative impact on their health, school performance, and social and intellectual growth."
More than 14 percent in the study, representing 2.6 million children, lived with at least one resident who smoked in the home.
The Arkansas Tobacco Quitline provides a free service for parents who want to quit tobacco and create a smoke-free home.
Free counseling with a trained Quit Coach and nicotine replacement therapy medications are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
For more information about the Quitline, click here, or to read the full PEDIATRICS study, click here.
