Is Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke Child Abuse?
Question by Christopher S: Is exposure to second-hand smoke child abuse?
I have a patient who’s mom comes in for chiropractic visits. She reeks of smoke and so does the kid, who is about 10 years old. She’s pretty much what you would call a dirty smoker. I am wondering when exposing a kid to secondary smoke or any environmental hazard becomes neglect or abuse. She’s a nice enough person but the kid has asthma also. Conflicted about making a report.
Best answer:
Answer by Man
Interesting point. Abuse? No. Neglect? Maybe.
Answer by patricia
In most circumstances this would not be seen as abuse as lots of parents smoke, but considering the child has asthma is a cause for concern. It would be interesting to know the smoking arrangements at home and if the child has a smoke free living space.
The mother may genuinely not know that she smells of smoke and may not even smell it on her child. I find this hard to believe but I have seen this for myself in children that are loved etc.
Sounds like some much needed health promotion would be beneficial, and once mum realises that this could be detrimental to the child’s health, she may start to change where she is smoking.
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