Every year, 600,000 people worldwide die from diseases caused by exposure to secondhand smoke. Children are disproportionately affected; roughly 700 million children are exposed to tobacco smoke every year, and an estimated 40 percent of children are exposed to secondhand smoke in their own homes. In children, tobacco exposure is directly related to ear infections, more frequent and severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and a greater risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

In recognition of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urges the United States to formally ratify the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to help protect the world's children from tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure. The FCTC is the first global public health treaty through the WHO that provides a comprehensive approach to reduce the considerable health and economic burden caused by tobacco.

This year's World No Tobacco Day theme, "WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control," is designed to highlight the importance of proper implementation of the treaty. The AAP urges members and child health advocates to utilize MPOWER as a framework to help monitor tobacco use and prevention policies in their respective communities.

"As pediatricians we strive to improve the health of all of our patients and families," said O. Marion Burton, MD, FAAP, president of the AAP. "Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and disability across the world. It is important for the pediatric community to unite on a global level to eliminate tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure from the lives of all children."

The Academy's Julius B. Richmond Center of Excellence is addressing children's issues in tobacco control in all countries, bringing pediatric voices to tobacco control policy discussions, and engaging pediatric associations in helping their members become clinical and policy advocates.

Source.
American Academy of Pediatrics