A new study has revealed that parental smoking can harm not only children but also grandchildren. Children exposed to cigarette smoke in early life may unknowingly pass on lung damage to future generations, raising the risk of chronic respiratory diseases.
The research, published in the medical journal Thorax, highlights the long-term and intergenerational impact of passive smoking. Fathers were urged in particular to avoid smoking around their children, as the damage can extend far beyond immediate health effects.
The study, led by researchers at the University of Melbourne, found that parental smoking in childhood is linked to reduced lung function in future generations. The findings revealed that both children and grandchildren of smokers had a higher chance of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is already one of the leading causes of death globally, claiming around 3 million lives each year.
For the research, scientists analyzed data from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study, one of the largest respiratory health studies in the world. More than 8,000 participants underwent spirometry tests to measure lung performance. The results confirmed a strong link between childhood exposure to second-hand smoke and impaired lung capacity later in life.
Researchers stressed that cutting children’s exposure to tobacco smoke is vital. Protecting children today is also about protecting the health of future generations.
“Fathers must be especially careful not to smoke around children, as the long-term risks are greater than previously understood,” the study’s authors wrote.
The findings underline the urgent need to reduce smoking around families. By limiting exposure, parents can play a direct role in preventing long-term respiratory diseases and protecting generations to come.
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