The impact of smoking on the family

This article reviews the way in which smoking impacts the family including the health of the fetus, infants and children, and reviews the interaction between the family and adolescent smoking patterns. Exposure to active smoking and passive smoking has significant and lifelong effects on the fetus including cognitive development. Widespread exposure to passive smoking increases asthma, chest infections and a range of other health risks. Parental smoking increases risks to the health of children during infancy and childhood, as well as the likelihood of adolescent experimentation and regular smoking. The influence of family function and family home rules are reviewed and the way in which quitting by parents, parental rules and a smoke-free home policy can influence adolescent smoking patterns. The article concludes with core recommendations, including for paediatric medical practice, that if implemented are likely to significantly impact future societal trends in smoking.