smoking passively

Question

Dear questioner,

We have an 8-year-old son with CF. We are both non-smokers. But my father lives since recent time with a smoking woman. Because he takes care a lot of our son, I worry because every time he comes back from my father, our son smells like cigarette smoke allover. We have spoken about this with them but according to them it can do no harm because she smokes in another room. But the apartment is filled with smoke from previous cigarettes. I would like to have your opinion on this because I do not think this is ok. Then I can tell my father about your opinion because he does not listen to us and it gets a bit tensed in our family. Thanks for your reply.

Answer

Dear questioner,
Active and passive smoking is harmful to the lungs. Patients with lung problems are even more vulnerable to smoke. People with cystic fibrosis that are smoking passively show a faster decline in lung function. Smoking in a separate room is not enough. Smoke is volatile and spreads very quickly over the whole house.

There is only one solution and that is smoking outside.

For specific advice regarding your child, please consult your doctor.
Best regards,
Prof. K. De Boeck

17.12.2013