October 12, 2007
Adolescent Smoking: Are you sharing your addiction?
The goal of cigarette companies is to “start ‘em young”. At this point, it is estimated that every day 6,000 kids under the age of 18 try smoking—of this number, nearly 2,000 will become regular smokers. This means that every year 800,000 new smokers join the ranks.
The primary problem that young smokers face is that they are rarely targeting in counter-marketing or anti-smoking campaigns in the same way that adults are. Often the message presented to kids is that their smoking habit could result in a number of illnesses later in life—and it was been shown that the “quit or die” message does not resonate with teenagers. At 17, the idea of reaching 40 seems pretty immaterial, let alone how smoking for over twenty years can adversely affect overall health.
Underage Smoking Statistics:
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The current estimate is that at least 4.5 million adolescents in the U.S. and cigarette smokers.
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Approximately 90 percent of smokers begin smoking before the age of 21.
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If the current tobacco use patterns persist, an estimated 6.4 million children will die prematurely from a smoking-related disease.
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According to a 2001 national survey of high school students, the overall prevalence of current cigarette use was 28%.
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Nearly 20 % of 12th graders, 12% of 10th graders and 5.5% of 8th graders smoke cigarettes daily.
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Adolescents who smoke regularly can have just as hard a time quitting as long-time smokers.
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Of adolescents who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, most of them report that they would like to quit, but are not able to do so.
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Cigarette advertisements tend to emphasize youthful vigor, sexual attraction and independence themes, which appeal to teenagers and young adults struggling with these issues.
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Tobacco use in adolescence is associated with a range of health-compromising behaviors, including being involved in fights, carrying weapons, engaging in high-risk sexual behavior and using alcohol and other drugs.
Often the first exposure to tobacco smoke comes in the form of ETS (environmental Tobacco Smoke) or secondhand smoke from their parents or other smoking family members. Nicotine is such a potent, addictive drug that non-smokers who are constantly inhaling secondhand smoke experience the same detrimental effects as smokers do themselves. This includes all of the immediate health concerns as well as the life long diseases associated with smoking.
How can you help your non-smoking family members?
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One way to limit the impact that tobacco smoke has on the health of your family is to smoke outside whenever possible
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Using an air purifier that has both HEPA filters and activated charcoal like those made by Dynamic Air Cleaners will help remove a large amount of smoke particles and fumes from the air. Investigate how a whole-house smoke removal system could help reduce secondhand smoke exposure.
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Limit smoking to one room—preferably one that is removed from the main living areas, such as a guest bedroom or garage. Close off all vents/return vents and smoke with the door closed.
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The best solution is to try quitting—there are many resources available to help you.
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