Take the Smoke-free Pledge
You can help to protect Philadelphia's children from tobacco smoke by taking the Smoke-free Home and Car Pledge.
The pledge asks you not to smoke in your home and car and not to let others smoke there. If you have to smoke, always choose to smoke outside.
By taking this pledge, you promise to better protect the children in your care by reducing their exposure to tobacco smoke.
TAKE THE PLEDGE!
FIND OUT MORE
What is secondhand smoke?
Secondhand smoke is a combination of the smoke that you see coming from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, and the smoke that is exhaled by a smoker.
What is thirdhand smoke?
Thirdhand smoke is the invisible, toxic combination of gases and particles that lingers long after active smoking has stopped. Thirdhand smoke clings to smokers’ hair and clothing, furniture, carpeting, and other surfaces.
How does tobacco smoke hurt infants and children?
Infants who are exposed to secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke are at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Mothers exposed to tobacco smoke may have their babies too soon. Babies born too soon don’t weigh enough to thrive and may not be able to breathe on their own.
In older children, tobacco smoke exposure increases the chances of:
- More frequent and severe asthma attacks
- More frequent ear infections
- Pneumonia and bronchitis
- Childhood cancers
What about adults and tobacco smoke?
Pledging to have a smoke-free home and car is also good for adults. Adult illnesses related to secondhand and thirdhand smoke include:
- Asthma symptoms that affect normal activities, like sleep, work and recreation
- Pneumonia
- Lung cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
TAKE THE PLEDGE!
