Most U.S. children exposed to smoking

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- More than half of U.S. children ages 3-11 are exposed to secondhand smoke -- mostly in the home -- which can cause immediate damage, a non-profit group says.

Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids in Washington, said the U.S. surgeon general's report on tobacco released Thursday is a stark reminder of how lethal and addictive smoking truly is and how every cigarette can cause damage.

The report underscores the importance of preventing kids from starting to smoke, helping smokers quit and protecting everyone's right to breathe clean air, free of the hundreds of toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke.

"No one should have to breathe secondhand smoke at work or in public places, and parents should ensure that homes, cars and other places frequented by children are smoke-free," Myers said in a statement.

"The Food and Drug Administration must continue to vigorously exercise its new authority to regulate the manufacture, marketing and sale of tobacco products to keep these harmful products away from our children and reduce their devastating effects on public health."

Most attention of the harm of smoking focuses on cancer and heart disease in adults, but tobacco can cause serious health effects in children because it can trigger asthma and lead to the development of pneumonia or pulmonary bronchitis, Myers said.

In addition, secondhand smoke can also affect a child's height and weight development, intellectual development, hurt the immune system and cause hearing and speech problems.