Facts About Children & Smoking

As the number of smokers continues to decline, tobacco companies must target new users to keep their product selling. There is evidence that tobacco companies target children with their advertising. Children who take up smoking are much more likely to develop serious medical conditions later in life. To combat this, some local governments have taken steps to ban smoking in public areas and, at times, in private homes.

Why Smoking is Dangerous

• While there are a number of ailments that have been tied to the use of smoking, the two most dangerous afflictions -- heart disease and lung disease -- are compounded or become more likely if a smoker begins at a very young age. Children who smoke are two to four times more likely to develop coronary disease, according to the American Heart Association. The harm is nearly the same for children who are exposed to secondhand smoke. The chemicals and carcinogens in cigarettes can cause some organs to malfunction and physically fail over time or, in the very young, can affect the development of some organs, often leading to cancer or related illnesses.

Negative Health Benefits in Children

• While the harm cigarettes cause is well-known and documented, in children, it can be far more dangerous. Smoking can have negative effects and an even greater impact on the future health of children. Studies show a third of youth smokers will die of a tobacco-related disease, a higher rate than someone who starts smoking later in life.

  In fact, cigarette smoke can even affect a child's health before birth. After being told mothers who smoke while pregnant could have underweight babies, a tobacco company executive said "many women would prefer smaller babies." The American Heart Association says children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to develop lung diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia. Studies suggest that sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) may be caused by secondhand smoke.

Promoting Smoking to Children

• Even with all of the negative effects, tobacco companies still try to market their products to children. In 1979, a tobacco company provided free cigarettes that were featured in "The Muppet Movie." One tobacco company even considered putting its product on ice cream trucks, candy stores and in record stores. There is even evidence that tobacco companies place advertisements at a child's eye level to get their attention.

  While many filmmakers have pledged to stop using smoking in a positive light in their films, a 2006 survey found smoking was featured in 75 percent of movies rated PG-13 and below and 90 percent of R-rated movies. Even today, the limited advertising for smoking tries to appeal to young teens by incorporating trendy clothes and cars into ads.

Long-Term Effects

• According to the American Heart Association, children who start smoking are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease. Smokers who take up the habit before the age of 20 are most likely to see themselves develop high blood pressure and heart disease. There is even a study that links youth smoking to a higher level of blocked arteries.

Curbing Use in Children

• While there are already a number of laws in place that keep smoking from having a direct influence and impact on children, a number of new laws seeks to curb use in public and private places, which could end a child's exposure to the act of smoking.

  Local laws banning smoking in public places like stores, restaurants and even some bars are becoming more common across the nation. Now, there are efforts in place to pass laws that would ban smoking in private places where children may be present. Texas, Vermont and Washington are just a few of many states that outlaw smoking in the privacy of one's home or car if children are present (in Texas, the law applies only to foster parents). While some people frown upon the idea of passing laws governing one's actions in private, there is a growing consensus that something must be done to protect the health of children.