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Vaping Could Increase Babies’ Eczema Risk, Study Says
Here's everything you need to know.
Peter Dazeley
As parents, we’re always trying to protect our kids from harm and looking for ways to make our homes safer for our kids. We baby-proof our homes, make sure they eat their veggies, and keep an eye on their screen time. However, parents may not have considered how their e-cigarette use could be impacting their child’s health.
It’s believed that 6% of Americans vape, and there have been numerous studies on the effects on people who vape. But what about kids who live or are around people who vape? We already know that secondhand smoke is dangerous for kids, but vaping has secondhand side effects for kids too.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), while vapes have been marketed as safer alternatives to smoking, there is a connection between parents who vape around their children and their kids developing pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD).
"Our results suggest that parental e-cigarette use was associated with pediatric atopic dermatitis," says Dr. Golara Honari, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at Stanford University, in California, who was part of the research team.
Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can make babies super unforgettable and leave parents feeling helpless because there’s so many remedies but not every remedy is helpful. While it’s common in children, it can significantly affect their quality of life. AD often starts in infancy and can persist into adulthood. While the exact cause of AD is unknown, it’s believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune factors.
For the study, researchers studied over 35,000 U.S. households spanning from 2014-2018 and what they found was alarming: children whose parents used e-cigarettes were found to have a higher prevalence -- 24% -- of atopic dermatitis compared to those whose parents did not use e-cigarettes.
Another point highlighted in the study is the potential for secondhand exposure. “The aerosols released by e-cigarettes contain numerous chemicals that can be harmful when inhaled by others, particularly young children with developing immune systems.” This secondhand exposure can be just as concerning as traditional cigarette smoke, with the added risk of unknown chemicals.
However, it doesn’t stop there because vaping can have third-hand effects. The residual chemicals from e-cigarette vapor that settle on surfaces like clothes, furniture, and skin. Babies living with people who vape can ingest or absorb these harmful substances, potentially leading to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems.
Researchers say the chemicals in vape aerosols can irritate the skin and respiratory system of young children. This irritation can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, potentially leading to skin conditions like AD. Children are more susceptible to the effects of these chemicals because their bodies are still developing. Their skin is more sensitive and their immune systems are not as robust as those of adults.
Vaping is often considered less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes due to fewer toxic chemicals. However, vaping still carries significant health risks, including lung damage and exposure to harmful substances. Long-term effects are not fully known, making it potentially dangerous, especially for young people and non-smokers.
So, what can parents do? Researchers from this study offer this advice:
Consider Quitting: The best way to eliminate the risk is to quit altogether. There are numerous resources and support systems available to help you quit vaping.
Create a Smoke-Free Home: Just as you would with traditional cigarettes, establish a smoke-free home environment. This includes both smoking and vaping.
Vape Away from Kids: If you must use e-cigarettes, do so away from your children. Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside, to minimize their exposure to secondhand aerosols.
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