EFFECTS OF PASSIVE SMOKING ON CHILDREN'S HEALTH - PREVENTION MEASURES AND ETHICAL ANALYSIS
Review Article
Abstract
Although there is growing evidence that tobacco smoke exposure has harmful effects on child health, 40% of children are still exposed to secondhand smoke worldwide. Secondhand tobacco smoke exposure of children is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the prenatal period and throughout life. Children are exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke both in public places and in their own homes. Given the fact that we live in an era of rapid technological advancement, it appears that parents, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, are not adequately informed on the risks of their children's exposure to secondhand smoke. Furthermore, children are frequently exposed to passive smoking by their parents. With the adoption of various laws and regulations on the prohibition of smoking in public places, the number of children exposed to tobacco smoke has decreased, but that number is still significant. In contrast, exposure to secondhand smoke in homes, cars, and public transportation is still an unregulated problem. The aim of our manuscript was to show the harmful effects of passive smoking on the health of children. We highlighted possible prevention measures and analyzed the problem by applying basic ethical postulates. Because there is a lack of information on the implementation of preventive measures regarding children's passive smoking exposure, it is necessary to look at this problem comprehensively and implement preventive measures to society. We hope that with this article we will influence the raising of awareness about the harmfulness of children's secondhand tobacco smoke exposure and contribute to the development of the necessary preventive measures.
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