Tobacco Smoke Essay Research Paper Did you — страница 3

contractions of the heart places an extra demand on the heart muscle, thereby increasing its need for oxygen. The heart of the fetus, which starts beating approximately ten weeks after conception, also has a high rate of contraction at about one hundred and forty beats per minute. This shows that a baby requires a lot of oxygen as well. Second-hand smoke as stated in the same article can raise the number of heart beats to both the mother and the unborn child. The result to this situation puts the fetus in great danger. The fetus could die in the mother’s womb, or the unborn child could be born with serious birth conditions. For example, the newborn child could develop heart problems, asthma, allergies, reduced lung functioning, spinal meningitis, or emphysema. These problems a

child could develop may only be short or a long-term problem. Other studies show that a child under the age of three could die from sudden infant death syndrome if exposed to environmental tobacco smoke for long periods of time. Sudden infant death syndrome also called crib death is a frightening condition in which apparently healthy, normal infants suddenly stop breathing and die. Although scientists have not yet been able to pinpoint the cause, they have found that a much higher percentage of babies of mothers who smoked (seventy percent) died from crib death than did babies of nonsmoking mothers (Fried 24-25). Another research formed by the American Heart Society states that children of smoking parents are subject to an increased incidence of all types of disease. According to

one major study, in their first year of life, babies of parents who smoke at home have a much higher chance of developing a lung disease, specifically bronchitis and pneumonia (an inflammation caused by bacteria, virus of the lungs, or irritation), than babies with nonsmoking parents. In comparison with older children and adults, babies have fewer defenses against substances they inhale, including pollutants and germs (Oxhorn 55-57). A recently published study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed reduced lung functioning in children whose mother smoke cigarettes. There is also evidence that once lung disease begins in childhood, it can continue and even worsen over a lifetime. Other Scientific discoveries show that sixty-five percent of children that live with parents

who smoke have chronic learning disabilities, and abnormal growth patterns. Researchers have recognized such problems as these to be a leading cause of depression amongst teens; leading to suicide (Lebowitz 171-172). In this research I have discussed the make up of environmental tobacco Smoke and the damages it can cause to non-smoking adults and children. It is clear that this deadly chemical is unhealthy to our everyday lives. Second-hand smoke is harmful to our society, and will continue to be unless we as people take a stand for our children and ourselves. Do not let this hazardous material control your life. Avoid all types of tobacco smoke to assure a healthy life for you and your families. This is one major step in making our world a healthier place to live. Bender, David

et. al. Smoking: Current Controversies. Bender David. San Diego California. September 23, 1995. 362.29. Berger, Gilda. Smoking Not Allowed: The Debate. Business Week. "Office Smokers Feel the Heat," November 29, 1982. Daily News. "Smoking Bill Clouds the Issue," March 26, 1986. Journal of the American Medical Association. "Nonsmokers’ Rights," May 19, 1978. Journal of the Israel Medical Association. "Passive Smoking," April 1, 1981. 362.29. Cain, W. et. al. Environmental Tobacco Smoke: Sensory Reactions of Occupants. Atmospheric Environment. Massachusetts. July 03,. 1988. 347.35. Ecobichon, Donald and Wu, Joseph. Environmental Tobacco Smoke: Proceedings of the International Symposium at McGill University 1989. McGill University: Montreal,

Canada. November 3 and 4 1989. 616.86. Fried, Peter and Oxorn, Harry. Smoking For Two: Cigarettes and Pregnancy. The Free Press. "A Division of Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc." New York, New York. Collier Macmillan Publishers. Canada. April 05, 1980. 618.32 Hammond, s. et al. Collection and Analysis of Nicotine as a Marker for Environmental Tobacco Smoke. New York, New York. October 15, 1992. 457.46. Landoll, Inc et. Al. Webster’s Dictionary: New Revised and Expanded Edition. Landoll Inc. Ashland, Ohio. 1993. 71. Lebowitz, M.D., and Holberg C.H. Effects of parental smoking and other risk factors on the development of pulmonary function in children and adolescents. Am. J. Epidemiol. Massachusetts/ Toronto. February 24, 1988. 982.47 Mendelson, Jack and Mello, Nancy. The