Maternal and Paternal Smoking Associated With Mental Health Conditions and Obesity

Studies have linked tobacco smoke exposure to various chronic conditions of childhood, including obesity, asthma and mental health disorders. Two studies published in the July print issue of Pediatrics (published online June 28), add evidence to the harms of both maternal and paternal smoking on children. The study, “Maternal Smoking and Child Psychological Problems: Disentangling Causal and Noncausal Effects,” found an association between maternal smoking in pregnancy and child mental health problems, specifically externalizing behaviors and conduct problems. The study, “Paternal Smoking Associated with Childhood Overweight: Evidence From the Hong Kong ‘Children of 1997’ Birth Cohort,” determined that paternal smoking can be connected to greater childhood body mass index (BMI) even if the pregnant mother did not smoke. A commentary, “Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Chronic Conditions of Childhood,” also in the July print issue (published online June 28), discusses the results of both studies and the need to promote tobacco-cessation programs educating parents on the dangers of tobacco exposure throughout child development, even in the prenatal stage.