In Response To: 'Maternal Smoking Causes Changes In Fetal DNA', UK

Leanne Metcalf, Director of Research at Asthma UK, says: 'Researchers have accumulated a wealth of evidence showing the detrimental effects smoking can have on a child's lung health, beginning in the womb and continuing through childhood via exposure to second-hand smoke. This research reinforces why smoking during pregnancy should be avoided'

'Causing fundamental changes to a child's DNA, which are not easily reversed, and exposing that child to an increased chance of developing asthma and a weaker immune system, will have extremely serious long-term implications for any child. This is bad news for children, communities and our health service.

'Children whose parents smoke are 1.5 times more likely to develop asthma. Asthma UK needs all parents and expectant parents to avoid exposing children to cigarette smoke to help protect them from developing asthma. Once the damage is done, it's very hard to undo.'

Source:
Asthma UK