Project Proposal to Lower Children’s Exposure to Secondhand Smoke at Home

In the United States each year, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure contributes to 400 infant deaths. Children exposed to SHS are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, more severe asthma, respiratory symptoms, and slowed lung growth (CDC, 2020). Although children’s exposure to SHS has fallen because of smoking bans in public places, they are still exposed to SHS at a rate of 35%, which is more than adults, due smoking in the home and no freedom to choose their environment (CDC, 2020; Homa et al., 2015; Marsh et al., 2016).

Smoking prevalence is highest among people with lower income, 21.4% in adults with an annual household income less than $35,000, and education, 35.3% of adults with a GED certificate versus the general population at 14% (CDC, 2020). Lone mothers are one of the most disadvantaged groups with lower education and wages, and the number of lone mothers is growing in the US putting more children at risk (Graham, Hawkins, & Law, 2010; Jun & Acevedo-Garcia, 2007; Siahpush, 2004; Siahpush, Borland, & Scollo, 2002; Sperlich & Maina, 2014). A 2007 study found that having children reduced smoking in every group of women except single white women or low-income women. Single women in the lowest income quartile who have children are more likely to be smokers than partnered mothers of the same income quartile (Jun & Acevedo-Garcia, 2007). Programs to help lone mothers quit or reduce SHS are a priority for the women and their…