Department of Health
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Child Woman
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  Smoking Harms Your Family Download

Smoking do not just cause harm to the smoker himself, but also to his colleagues,  friends and family members.
Secondhand smokers bear the risk from both the mainstream smoke and the sidestream smoke.

Fetus as Passive Smoker
 
Smoking in pregnant women is definitely harmful to the fetus :
 - Stillbirths and early neonatal deaths
 - Increased risk of pre-term delivery
 - Increased risk of having low birth weight babies
 - Some studies showed that carcinogenic substances from tobacco smoke might pass through the placenta to the fetus

Studies have shown that secondhand smoke causes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and increases the risk of lower respiratory illnesses (pneumonia, bronchitis) and asthma among infants as well as children. So a smoke-free environment is vital to the babies.

Smoking may cause permanent damage to your children.
You can change it.
Stop smoking NOW!

Dear Mom and Dad,
Quit smoking now, please !
You really have no idea what miseries we children of smokers have to go through.
 -  Because you smoke, our home is always full of smoke and the smell of cigarettes. We can't breathe.
 -  Because you smoke, it makes us cough and our eyes water. It's also bad for our health and increases our risk of getting bronchial disorders.
 -  Because you smoke, people around you feel upset or uncomfortable. And look at your tarry teeth. Your breath stinks and wrinkles are all over your faces.
 -  Smoking makes you bad role models.  We always have to fight off the desire to smoke like you do.
 -  Cigarettes are very costly. You two have been quarrelling over money matter all the time, and we seldom get to buy our toys.
 -  Smoking also decreases your ability to exercise and ages you fast. No wonder you don't want to take us for a walk.
- The Government warns that
Extra risks of respiratory ill health due to passive smoking at home in ever-smoking children:

Nasal symptoms 17%

Throat symptoms 35%

Cough 54%

Phlegm 44%

Wheezing ever 12%

(Data from Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health - Report No. 5: Smoking and Passive Smoking in Children 1998)

Information shows that in children, secondhand smoke can increase the risk of respiratory tract infections, cough, phlegm and wheezing.
But most importantly, with the parental influence, children of smokers are more likely to smoke than those of non-smokers.
So, for your children's sake, quit smoking now !


Studies have shown that using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or individual counselling increases the chance of success in smoking cessation compared with self effort.
Smoking Cessation HotlinesĄG
Smoking Cessation Hotline, Department of Health ĄG 1833 183
Smoking Counselling & Cessation Centres of Hospital Authority ĄG2300 7272 

WebsitesĄG
Tobacco Control Office, Department of Health : http://www.tco.gov.hk 
Family Health Service, Department of Health : http://www.fhs.gov.hk


FHS-MH14AB (New July 2007)
 
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Last revision date: 01 September 2006