Second and Thirdhand Smoke Harmful to Babies

New studies are further exploring the impact tobacco smoke has on pregnancy.

One study, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, suggests stillbirth risks increase when pregnant woman live or work with a smoker.  Researchers found that women exposed to tobacco smoke were three times more likely to experience a stillbirth than the unexposed women.  The study also found that the smoke impacted a newborn’s weight.  Babies born to mothers exposed to secondhand smoke typically weighed 2ozs less than babies born to mothers unexposed to the smoke.

Thirdhand smoke, toxins from secondhand smoke that linger on surfaces, may also be harmful to a baby.  Researchers at Harbor UCLA Medical Center conducted an animal study and found thirdhand smoke toxins may damage fetal lung development.  The study’s author, Virender Rehan, Ph. D., recommends pregnant women avoid places where thirdhand may be present to prevent exposure to the toxins.

Learn more about the effects of tobacco smoke and how Working Partners can help you get started on a drug free employment policy and ensure your employees understand the effects of drug use.