question about smoking...?

Question

I am almost 7 weeks pregnant and since I found out I was pregnant, i quit smoking. But I work in an office where my boss smokes cigars (very thick nasty smoke) and the other person that works in here smokes regularly (cigarettes), I know this is not good for me or my unborn child. What can I do? I don't want to make them quit, it's their office and it would be terribly difficult to find a job while im pregnant! Any advice would be helpful and appreciated! Thanks

Answer 1

Talk to them. Explain your concerns, and negotiate. If they wont budge then you have to do whats best for you and the baby. Good luck and congrats

Answer 2

I think that if you spoke with it politely with your boss and co-workers, they would be understanding of the situation. I know it can sometimes be difficult to approach such an issue with a boss, but especially since you were a smoker and you have quit because of your pregnancy, I'm sure they will see your side of it. I don't know the size of the office or building, but perhaps there could be designated smoking/non-smoking areas. It does kind of complicate matters that you are in an area where smoking is still allowed in businesses, or else this really wouldn't even be an issue for you. If the building is large enough, I think a suggestion of smoking/non-smoking areas would be a nice compromise, since they would still have a sheltered place to smoke in poor weather and you could have some space with fresh air for your baby.

Answer 3

Good luck and congrats, but why would it be hard to find a new job when u r just 7 weeks preg? (I just got a new job and I am about 7 weeks right now.) There is no way anyone could tell at that stage, so just don' t mention it in the interview, right?

Anyway, I sure hope you can find another job where you won't be subjecting yourself & your babies to smoke, since it is so bad for them! Or if you can find a way to ask your boss & coworkers to smoke outside, that would be fine too. Its weird that people still smoke in your office. Is it a family-run small business or something?

Good luck!

Answer 4

They do not smoke inside do they? If they, you shuold really say something. Depending on what type of company you work for, smoking in a workplace might even be illegal!

I think most smokers are very respectful of non smokers (as a former smoker you should have a good perspective on this) so you should definitely talk to them about it.

One thing that can help is if they wear a coat or sweater during their smoke breaks and then put it in a closet that is not near you. That will help a little with the smoke soaking into their clothes.

Answer 5

I think Amanda that under the circumstances you could quit, you could buy an air purifier, or risk the health of the baby. You didn't say if you were married or you had to support yourself. I don't think you could ask your boss to step outside, besides you will still smell the smoke all day even if he did. If you are married and your husband has a job that can support your family I suggest you quit your job. If you are going to stay home to raise your child you would be doing without the money anyway. Good Luck

Answer 6

Well theres really nothing you can.And since quitting your job isn't an option,the only other thing you can is make sure don't smoke its terrible for the baby and also take of you rest eat very well plenty of fruits and vegetables.Water,prenatle vitamins alots of orange juice or a fruit juice of your choice,orange happens to very good for you and your baby it contains folate calcium and other vitamins that your baby devolp properly but the very best advice i can give you is to quit, we've all heard especially lately that second hand smoke is the worst.by the way whatever juice you be sure its real fruit juice theres a big difference

Answer 7

I work in the IT (Computer) field so fortunately I almost always work in areas where smoking isnt allowed anyway.

However in a workplace, when there is a chance of pregnant women to be working, workers who smoke around such a condition can be sued bigtime....from the company on down to any employee smoking around u when pregnant.

While u might lose the job over it, in most states you have enough evidence already to become wealthy on this.

In my own case, if these guys were to smoke around my wife when she gets pregnant, they might have more than legal trouble..

Answer 8

IWow!! You're still allowed to smoke in a workplace?? How quaint.

As a smoker, even i know second hand smoke is not good for a baby. I only smoke outside now, and most workplaces here are non-smoking by law.

I would suggest you talk to your boss about your concerns. Perhaps he could fit some kind of smoke extractor fan. They are relatively cheap.

Answer 9

Maybe you could ask them not to smoke in the office. To smoke outside while you are pregnant. Just explain to them your concern and if they care about your well being and your unborn child then they will respect your wishes.

Good Luck and Congradulations =]

Answer 10

depends on what kind of people they are. Usually people are pretty supportive when they find out you're pregnant. Ask them politely not to smoke around you. They might agree and actually enjoy going outside or other room to take a cigarette break from work.

Answer 11

Yikes, tough one! Here in our state we can't smoke in any office or public building so it is good for all the unborn babies out there!

I would put a smoke eater at your desk or get one of those air circulation things at sharper image (www.sharperimage.com). Maybe that will help clean up the air around you?

If one of my employees asked me to stop smoking around her (I don't smoke, but if I did) I would abide by her wishes.