Secondhand smoke’s effects on brain development: ADHD and associated behaviors in children

Abstract

AbstractSecondhand smoke, also known as passive smoking, is a serious health hazard that affects millions of people worldwide. Exposure to secondhand smoke has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that secondhand smoke causes more than 600,000 premature deaths each year. It’s important for individuals and governments to take steps to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in order to protect public health. The Inhalation of secondhand smoke by active smokers and their companions is associated with illness and death. Many young people around the world are exposed to secondhand smoke. Infants and young children worldwide are at increased risk of exposure to secondhand smoke before and after birth due to their underdeveloped brain, immune and respiratory systems. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with impairment of executive function in children and contributes to current and future public health burdens. This review examines scientific advances in the relationship between secondhand smoke and the development of attention-deficit and hyperactive behavior in children, both as a symptom and as part of a mental health problem. Tobacco smoke inhalation has many effects that are best described in terms of changes in regulatory processes, including cell communication, structural development, and epigenetic effects that are passed from generation to generation. It was decided that public health efforts should aim to increase parental awareness and compliance with existing guidelines that do not recommend safe exposure levels.