Second Hand Smoke and Pregnancy

A recent study at the University of California at Berkeley reveals evidence suggesting that smoking by the father before conception is linked to an increase in some forms of leukemia in children. Babies exposed to second hand smoke after birth, according to the study, also seem to have an increased risk of leukemia. While there is a greater awareness of the risks associated with smoking, most of the attention regarding smoking during pregnancy is given to maternal smoking. This new data suggests that parents must both take part in providing a Healthy Air environment for a child. It is hoped that the new data will encourage fathers to quit smoking when it comes time for family planning.