Dangers of Parental Smoking

Parental smoking increases the risk of meningococcal meningitis for children by about 200% for every 20 cigarettes smoked at home on an average day.

Dr. Greene’s take on parental smoking… (hint: don’t do it!)

A study in the August 2000 issue of the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that parents who smoke increase the risk of meningococcal meningitis for their children by about 200% for every 20 cigarettes smoked at home on an average day (220% if the mother smokes, 170% if only the father smokes).

Meningitis can strike suddenly and without warning, with damaging effects.

Keeping your kids in a smoke-free environment is one way you help keep them safe — from this and from other childhood problems ranging from ear infections to SIDS.

Published on: August 17, 2000
About the Author
Photo of Alan Greene MD
Dr. Greene is a practicing physician, author, national and international TEDx speaker, and global health advocate. He is a graduate of Princeton University and University of California San Francisco.
Get Dr. Greene's Wellness RecommendationsSignup now to get Dr. Greene's healing philosophy, insight into medical trends, parenting tips, seasonal highlights, and health news delivered to your inbox every month.
About Us
Content
DrGreene logo

Our goal is to improve children's health by inspiring parents to become knowledgable partners who can work with their children's physicians in new and rich ways.

© 1995 - 2025 DrGreene All Rights Reserved