Abstract

1.1.Introduction: An estimated 2.3 million infants/children across all countries of the world are exposed to second-hand smoking (SHS). These infants and children live in households where there is at least one smoker. This has contributed to the alarming incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including neuro developmental defects and lowered immunity among infants/children. Illnesses such as asthma, hypertension, arterial defects, impaired neuro development and infectious diseases have been found to be associated with increased exposure to SHS.

1.2.Method/Methodology: This is a systematic review of published research articles focusing on the health consequences of infants/children’s exposure to SHS. Studies reviewed comprise of cross-sectional, prospective, longitudinal and observational studies.

1.3.Findings/Results: Key findings indicate that Infants/children are predisposed to various disorders that affect their cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems leading to morbidities such as hypertension impaired endothelial functioning, asthma, wheeze, lowered immunity as well as obesity. In addition, permanent disabilities that result in long-term disease conditions such as emphysema, cancer of the lungs and impaired cardiovascular reflex with impaired neuro-development leading to learning disabilities, altered neuro-behaviour as well as anxiety and panic disorders, including depression are all associated with infant/childhood exposure to SHS.

1.4.Conclusion: There is immediate public health need to promulgate ways to minimize exposure of infant/childhood to second hand smoking so as to reduce the risks and disease burden associated with SHS.

Keywords

Smoking, Second hand smoking, Infant/children, Environmental tobacco, Diseases, Disabilities, Public Health, Environmental protection agency, ammonia, Formaldehyde