Vol. 4, Issue 3 (2015)

Author(s):
R.S Bharatwaj, Malini Kar

Abstract:
Passive smoking or secondhand smoke exposure imposes both direct economic costs on society such as those associated with treating tobacco related diseases and lost wages because of death/ illness. Exposure of children to the hazards of passive smoking is well documented and is preventable to a large extent. We wanted to find out the knowledge and response of the school children when exposed to secondhand smoke. A few simple questions related to this aspect were asked and responses were noted. A health education session was later conducted for them followed by a review session to find out how their perspective had changed. Majority of the children did not have knowledge regarding secondhand smoking and its adverse effects.