Baby Land

Everywhere I go, I seem to spot a smoker in a situation that makes me want to write about it and vent... Yesterday, such a smoker spotting occurred at Chick-fil-A on the west side of town. I was in my car, waiting in line to place my order. At one of the picnic tables just beside the restaurant, there was a mother, daughter and what appeared to be one of the mom's pals sitting at a table having lunch. The daughter was probably around 6 or 7 years old. What caught my attention was the friend who took a moment to light up her cigarette and proceed to puff away as she chatted with the mom and expelled her smoke fumes in the direction of the little girl.

Now - I don't think I need to tell any of you how this mom would react if a friend of mine were to even think about pulling out a pack of cigarettes around my child (or around just me for that matter, but especially around my daughter). I run in the opposite direction when a smoker comes around - I won't even let my child near someone who has been smoking. The smell just doesn't go away, and the toxins remain. There are around 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke that may be breathed in my someone who happens to be near a smoker. These chemicals also stick to clothing, furniture, walls and any other type of porous surface. Children are more susceptible to the hazards of these chemicals than adults - it can seriously increase the risk of children developing pneumonia, asthma, wheezing, bronchitis and more.

I think there is a polite way to handle the situation, although I don't think tact is the most important thing! It is perfectly acceptable to ask a pal not to smoke around your child, whether it be in a restaurant setting, in the car or at an outdoor event. As parents, we are charged with ensuring the safety of our children, and that extends to smoking. If truly a friend, they won't mind postponing their puffing until after your visit. While out in public, it is a good idea to avoid areas where smokers congregate. Frequent restaurants that have a "no smoking" policy. Make it known to business owners and policy makers that you want a clean air environment!

In today's environment, people are trying to be more concious of the things they put into their bodies - we filter water (or buy it bottled), try to eat organic meats and vegetables, and read labels to find out salt content in processed foods. When will it dawn on smokers that they are exposing themselves, their families and their communities to pollutants than can cause serious harm?