Cuba Promotes Reducing Children''''s Exposure to Tobacco Smoke

Source from:  Prensa Latina (cu)  05/27/2013

Educating the public about the importance of reducing the exposure of children and adolescents to secondhand smoke is a priority in Cuba during a day of activities for World No Tobacco Day.

Dr. Elba Lorenzo, national coordinator of the program for prevention and control of smoking in Cuba, said in a news conference that the risk of infection in the respiratory system increases for children whose parents smoke.

"It also raises the possibility that these children suffer a decrease in lung function, symptoms of respiratory irritation and nasal congestion and cough, and infections of the middle ear," she said.

According to studies by the National Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology, Cuba is the American country with the largest tobacco smoke exposure in homes, with over half of families in such circumstances.

In addition, 55 percent of children, 51 percent the pregnant and 60 percent of teenagers are subjected second-hand smoke.

In 2010, Cuban specialists conducted a survey with adolescents aged 12 to 15 years on smoking and found that nearly 10 percent were active smokers, and 30 percent of their parents smoke.

During the World No Tobacco Day, on May 31, Cuba will hold ctivities aimed at creating awareness among the people about the importance of increasing smokefree spaces. Enditem