Children Exposed to Parent-Addicted Smoking more likely to Pick up the Habit

Early exposure of second-hand smoke to children can increase their risk of addiction. A recent study conducted by researchers from the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, D.C., shows that youth with parents who smoke are more likely to take up the habit later in life.

"It is difficult to dissuade children from smoking if one or both parents are heavily dependent on cigarettes," said lead study author, Darren Mays, Ph.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor of oncology at the center, via Medical Xpress. "It is also important for parents who smoke to know that their children may model the behavior, particularly if a parent is nicotine dependent."

For those that become addicted, many are adamantly dependent on nicotine and will most likely receive the drug from tobacco smoke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that there are over 7,000 chemicals lurking inside one single cigarette--hundreds of which are toxic and 70 that can cause cancer.

For the study, experts interviewed nearly 400 participants aged 12-17 between  2001 and 2004 about the smoking behavior of their parents and guardians. Findings demonstrated an increased risk of addiction for children later in life. 

"Our study supports the need for pediatric clinics to be vigilant about the smoking habits of their patients and their patients' parents," Mays added, via the news organization. "For parents who want to quit help can be provided."

"This is one of the most comprehensive analyses of smoking risk in adolescents as it relates to family life," he said. "The findings that exposure to parental nicotine dependence is a critical factor influencing intergenerational transmission of smoking are striking and troubling - but they give us a direction to go in reducing that risk."

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Pediatrics.