can smoke odor from furniture harm you?

Question

My babysitter used to smoke inside her home. I bring my one year old and my 9 year old to her home everyday. Will the odor harm them in any way or am I just being paraniod? They come home with the smell of smoke daily on their bodies and clothing. Thanks!

Answer 1

Old smoke odor cannot harm anyone. She is very likely still smoking in the house, however, if there is a strong smell. To me if she is a good babysitter, I wouldn't get too worked up about it. Good sitters are hard to find and I would rather have a good sitter who smokes than some nut.

Answer 2

I agree that if they come home smelling of smoke, the sitter probably does still smoke. You should ask your kids about it.

Parenting magazine did an article on "third-hand smoke," which is what your question is about. Basically, "third-hand smoke" can be as dangerous as second-hand smoke, but to a slightly lesser degree.

Personally, I would find another sitter, because I HATE the smell of cigarette smoke and would not want my child to have to smell like a stale cigarette all the time.

Answer 3

I think your saying that the sitter does not smoke anymore, but the smell of it lingers on in her home.

As long as there is no actual smoke, there is no risk to you or the kids. Just the stink.

Answer 4

if they come home smelling like it she is most likely smoking around them so I would say yes they are getting the second hand smoke. You should consider getting another day care provider.

Answer 5

roxy,you are definitely not being paranoid.many of the harmful chemicals remain in residual smoke and in the objects or people they have come into contact with.
your child is breathing in toxic substances.you should find a non smoking babysitter asap or a place where smoking is not allowed .
no responsible adult these days smokes near or around children.

Answer 6

The odor is more annoying than dangerous. As long as there is no longer smoking going on, the risk is minimal.

Answer 7

Well, what do you mean "used to smoke" ???? If your kids smell like smoke then somebody smoked around them. Old smoke will not absorb into your kids clothes like that...
TRUST YOUR INSTINCT!!!!

Answer 8

second hand smoke from her smoking while children are present is a real health concern for children,change sitters immediately to one that doesnt smoke ,cigarette smoke in a confined space affects all in that space,your children might as well be smoking...