Save the children from second-hand smoke and cancer. That is
what the World Health Organization (WHO) wants the grown-ups to do
today - World Cancer Day. The year-long smoke-free childhood
campaign is the first global initiative of its kind.
WHO has joined the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), a
global consortium of cancer-fighting organizations, in the
initiative and given it a slogan: "I love my smoke-free
childhood".
A man ignoring a little
girl's presence enjoys a puff in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu
province. Such acts, say WHO, make children more vulnerable to
second-hand smoke.
Cancer is one of the leading killers across the world, with WHO
estimating it would claim 84 million lives between 2005 and 2015 if
people don't change their habits.
Since children deserve a cleaner atmosphere in these times of
high pollution and global warming, WHO is asking parents not to
smoke at home and in cars.
In fact, UICC will launch a design competition for a logo for a
"smoke-free" home and car.
The winning piece, to be awarded $5,000, will be announced on
May 5.
The theme for this year's World Cancer Day is "Children and
second-hand smoke exposure".
As many as 700 million children, or about half of the total
across the world, breathe air that has been polluted by tobacco
smoke, particularly at home.
Speaking about the importance of the initiative, UICC Executive
Director Isabel Mortara says: "Forty percent of cancers are
preventable through healthy habits.
The first step toward prevention is education, starting with
parents and children. Every success story means fewer lives
lost.
Tobacco-related cancers lead the list of preventable deaths and
hundreds of thousands of people who have never smoked die each year
from diseases caused by second-hand smoke."
That explains why parents are the focus of the year-long
campaign, even though its aim is to save the children.
"Second-hand smoke is a health hazard for you and your family,"
Mortara says. "There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand
smoke."
People who smoke in confined spaces such as homes or cars
subject others to a dangerous mix of toxins and carcinogens even
when windows are open. UICC's 40-page report, "Protecting our
children from second-hand smoke", on the health of kids exposed to
tobacco smoke and pollution, recommends safeguarding them in
confined spaces, as well as schools, childcare centers and other
public places.
The report says second-hand smoke can cause sudden death of a
newborn, harm its lungs' development and reduce its weight if the
mother is exposed to smoking.
At the same time, it can also lead to bronchitis and pneumonia
among infants and slightly older children.
The WHO and UICC say parents don't have to change their habits
radically to protect the children.
Here is the simple advice to parents:
Avoid smoking at home and in cars;
Warn children to stay away from second-hand smoke and keep them
away from places where smoking is allowed;
Teach kids that there is no safe level of second-hand smoke;
Do not smoke while pregnant or near someone who is pregnant;
Use a smoke-free childcare center;
If you are a smoker, ask your doctor what you can do to give up
smoking;
Become a role model for your child - do not smoke.
Parents have also been asked to eat a balanced diet, learn about
vaccines for liver and cervical cancers and avoid over-exposure to
the sun.
The campaign targets decision-makers, too, asking them to put
cancer on their agenda.
A lot of countries have realized how serious a health and
financial hazard smoking can be, and passed laws, banning smoking
in all closed public places.
"Countries with 100 percent smoke-free laws should be commended
for their legacy to healthier families," says UICC President Dr
Franco Cavalli, because "in these nations the percentage of
children exposed to second-hand smoke has decreased over time.
Though the trend is encouraging, it alone cannot protect children
from second-hand smoke. That's why educating parents is so
crucial."
(China Daily February 4, 2008)
