Infants exposed to smoke in Danish homes

Despite known risks like sudden infant death syndrome and respiratory diseases, 1,800 newborns in Denmark were exposed to smoke at home last year, over three percent of all newborns. The figures come from the Danish Health Data Authority’s Child Database, reported by health visitors. Mette Keis Jepsen from the Authority states it’s unclear if the number is rising or falling due to some homes not reporting. Tobacco sales have sharply decreased over the past five years, dropping by nearly one-third to just over 15 cigarettes per week per person over 18, according to Statistics Denmark. Efforts to reduce smoking have included price increases, plain packaging, and smoke-free areas. However, a public health institute survey reveals two-thirds of young smokers continue to smoke during school time. Additionally, among last year’s births, 2,700 mothers smoked during pregnancy, though 1,200 quit during pregnancy.