Letters to the Editor, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
9:58 am Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Secondhand smoke truly harmful to children

I was surprised to see the Nov. 24 letter, “Secondhand smoke danger is a myth,” which published in the Mobile Press-Register.
I am a pediatrician, so I don’t have to deal with lung cancer except when one of my little patients loses a grandparent to the disease. I spent two days searching the Internet for studies on the causes of lung cancer. This is what I found.
The primary risk factor for lung cancer is cigarette smoking, which is estimated to account for 90 percent of all lung cancers.
An analysis of 52 studies on secondhand smoke and cancer showed a risk of 1:21 in spouses of smokers. Twenty-five studies of workplace exposure showed a risk of 1:22.
For nonsmokers exposed to a parent who smoked, the risk of lung cancer was 1:11. In one study it was estimated that 17 percent of lung cancer in nonsmokers is attributed to secondhand smoke during childhood.
Recently, I saw a 4-year-old who had been to the emergency room four times recently. His mother seemed surprised when I suggested that her smoking could be a major contributing factor.
My patients who live with a smoker are more likely to have ear infections, pneumonia, asthma and severe respiratory infections. And, sadly, the child of a smoker is more likely to become addicted to nicotine in early adolescence.

Marsha Raulerson, M.D.
Brewton

Also on Franklin County Times
Bill would eliminate YO status in cases of murder
Franklin County, Main, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
MONTGOMERY — A local state representative has pre-filed a bill that would prevent someone 16 or older who is charged with murder or capital murder fro...
Strickland takes council seat after Trulove’s withdrawal
Main, News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RED BAY — Jonathan Strickland has been declared the next Place 3 memberof theRedBayCity Council after incumbent Herbert Trulove withdrew from the Sept...
School threats are no joking matter
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — The saddest thing about the Sept. 3 bomb threat at Phil Campbell High School is the lasting impact the hoax will have on the life of t...
Ambassadors program gives students taste of leadership
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE --the Ambassadors program at Tharptown Elementary is giving students an introduction to leadership. The program gives elected fifth and s...
Book Lovers Club to host violence awareness program
Columnists, Opinion, Russellville
HERE AND NOW
“We look forward to expanding our knowledge of the issues while engaging members and communities to unite in addressing this pervasive societal epidemic.”
September 10, 2025
The GFWC Book Lovers Study Club will host an awareness session about domestic and sexual violence at 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Russellville First Methodis...
Opinion: SPACECOM headquarters should be in Huntsville
Columnists, Opinion
September 10, 2025
After years of political wrangling, President Trump is bringing Space Command (SPACECOM) headquarters back to its rightful home in Huntsville. This wa...
Space Command could boost region’s economy
News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
FLORENCE—Northwest Alabama officials said the Sept. 3 announcement that the U.S. Space Command will be moved to Huntsville could boost local economies...
RHS volleyball team pushes record to 17-5
High School Sports, News, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
The busy week for the Russellville volleyball team was highlighted by a home match against county rival Phil Campbell, the first area match of the sea...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *