Effect of environmental tobacco smoke exposure on respiratory symptoms in children. SCARPOL Team. Swiss Study on Childhood Allergy and Respiratory Symptoms with Respect to Air Pollution, Climate and Pollen.

Abstract

Almost half of all schoolchildren in Switzerland, especially those from lower socioeconomic classes, are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Children with environmental tobacco smoke exposure suffer significantly more often from respiratory symptoms. Maternal smoking during pregnancy additional to current smoking further increases the risk of respiratory morbidity. These findings underline the importance of prevention strategies to reduce the prevalence of smoking and its impact on children's health.