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Parent’s Cigarette Smoking Can Affect Child Custody

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Child Custody and Support

cigarette smoking, Geneva family law attorney, secondhand smoke, child custody orders, anti-smoking group, second-hand smoke, cigarette smoke and asthma, cigarette smoke and children, Class A carcinogenAn increasing number of judges are recognizing the dangers to children exposed to secondhand smoke and are factoring in a parent’s smoking when deciding custody issues.

It is well-documented that smoking is bad for your health. Multiple studies have also proven that second-hand smoke is bad for the health of people who are exposed to a smoker’s cigarette smoking. Second-hand smoke has been labeled as a Class A carcinogen. There are more than 40 substances that are known to cause cancer. Second-hand smoke also contains substances that can damage and others human organs and tissues.

The lung growth in children can be affected by second-hand cigarette smoke which can cause pulmonary problems as they get older. Children also suffer from sore throats, headaches, irritated eyes, nausea, and dizziness from exposure.

Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more prone to developing asthma. The more exposed an asthmatic child is to cigarette smoke, the more frequent and severe are their attacks.

The anti-smoking group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) conducted a survey to see just how serious courts are taking the dangers of smoking when deciding custody. The results of the survey include the following:

  • There has been court rulings in at least 18 states where judges have written that a parent’s smoking should be considered in child custody cases;
  • Courts have issued prohibitive smoking around the child orders in thousands of cases nationwide;
  • Courts have issued orders that there be no smoking in the home one to two days before the child comes for visitation;
  • Courts have also considered the smoking of other people who will be around the child – including grandparents, family members, and friends when weighing custody;
  • No judge has ever issued a ruling stating that cigarette smoking exposure has no bearing on child custody.

Even existing child custody orders can be modified if there is concern over a child’s exposure to second-hand smoke. If you are concerned about the health of your children, such as cigarette smoking when they are with your ex-spouse, please contact an experienced Geneva family law attorney to discuss any options you may have regarding child custody.

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