Prevention and cessation of smoking

Tobacco smoke is the main source of preventable morbidity and mortality, and children are particularly susceptible to developing smoke-related adverse health effects. Interventions for prevention and cessation of smoking can be performed at both population and individual levels. Preventing exposure to second-hand smoke should begin before childbirth and continue throughout childhood, as no level of exposure to tobacco smoke is risk free. Paediatric practitioners must take an active role in smoking prevention and cessation.