Regular exposure to tobacco smoke at home places young children at an increased risk of developing emphysema in adulthood, a new study finds.
Previous studies had linked exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood to various health conditions.
"Some known harmful effects of tobacco smoke are short term, and this new research suggests that effects of tobacco smoke on the lungs may also persist for decades," said lead researcher Gina Lovasi.
According to the study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, early-life exposure to tobacco smoke may cause permanent and irreversible damage to the lungs, leading to emphysema in the long run.
Despite the considerable emphysema-related changes in the lungs of the studied children, no evidence of declined lung function was reported in this group.
Considering the high prevalence of asthma and other respiratory diseases in children exposed to tobacco smoke at home, scientists urged parents and family members to quit smoking in order to protect their children against the damage caused by tobacco.
source: presstv.ir
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