Children Exposed To Tobacco Smoke Can Be Linked To Multiple Behavioral Problems

Children exposed to tobacco smoke in an early stage links to behavioral problems. The research found that children exposed to the smoke of tobacco in an early childhood stage have the tendency to embrace anti-social behavior. Also, they have reactive and proactive regression, conduct problems at school and even drop out at the age of 12.

Thus, exposure to tobacco smoke is toxic, especially in the brain's developing stage. It is because it is the most vulnerable to environmental input, researchers said.

Professor Linda Pagani, lead author of the study from the University of Montreal in Quebec, Canada, said that "Young children have little control over their exposure to household tobacco smoke, which is considered toxic to to the brain at a time when its development is exponential," as reported by Health Site.

As for the parents who smoke near their children enable their kids to be exposed to second-hand smoke. They are also exposed to third-hand smoke.

The second-hand smoke can cause abnormality in the brain development because of the chronic or transient exposure to the toxic chemicals. These compounds then solidify and eventually develop to a third-hand smoke.

In the research, the experts discovered the strong evidence that suggests other dangers that can be linked to the development of the brain system that governs the behavioral decisions, as well as the cognitive, social and emotional functions.

The antisocial behavior is defined by the proactive intent to harm others, violate the social norms and lack pro-social feelings. Those behaviors also include aggression, theft, criminal offenses, rebellion and destruction of property and also correlate with poor academic problems, according to Economic Times.

Pagani added that "These long-term associations should encourage policy-makers and public health professionals to raise awareness among parents about the developmental risks of second-hand smoke exposure."

Also, a study published in the journal Indoor Air, the experts examined 1,035 girls and boys in 1997 and 1998. The parents of these kids reported whether anyone smoked at home while their kids are ages 1.5 to 7.5 years old. Their children reported at the age of 12 that they encounter anti-social behavior and their academic characteristics.