Dangers of Parental Smoking

Parental smoking increases the risk of meningococcal meningitis for children by about 200% for every 20 cigarettes smoked at home on an average day.

Dr. Greene’s take on parental smoking… (hint: don’t do it!)

A study in the August 2000 issue of the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that parents who smoke increase the risk of meningococcal meningitis for their children by about 200% for every 20 cigarettes smoked at home on an average day (220% if the mother smokes, 170% if only the father smokes).

Meningitis can strike suddenly and without warning, with damaging effects.

Keeping your kids in a smoke-free environment is one way you help keep them safe — from this and from other childhood problems ranging from ear infections to SIDS.

Published on: August 17, 2000

About the Author

Alan Greene MD

Dr. Greene is a practicing physician, author, national and international TEDx speaker, and global health advocate. He is a graduate of Princeton University and University of California San Francisco.

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Dangers of Parental Smoking

Alan Greene MD

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