Some say smoke is an allergen. Other say it's just an irritant. But there’s no doubt about one thing: eight million people with allergies are also sensitive to tobacco smoke. Smoking is nothing less than self-induced air pollution. And an assault on anyone within breathing distance.

Cigarette smoke contains not only tar and nicotine, but also 1,500 other chemicals: benzopyrene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, nitrites, hydrocarbons, phenols, ammonia, aluminum, sulfur, aldehydes, hydrogen cyanide, pyridines and acrolein – just to name a few. No wonder cigarette smoke is murder on the sensitive airways of asthmatics!

Actually, cigarette smoke bothers asthmatics and non-asthmatics alike, according to a study conducted by allergist Michael S. Blaiss, M.D., and reported at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergists in January, 1982.

Whether smoking themselves or breathing the smoke of others nearby, both the 72 asthmatics and 322 non-asthmatics in Dr. Blaiss’s study experienced a drop in ”small airway function” – a medical way of saying they couldn’t breathe too well. If any of your children have asthma, you’ll be doing them an enormous favor if you don’t smoke.

One study showed, for instance, that when their parents quit smoking, nine out of ten asthmatic children improved dramatically (Annals of Allergy, 1974). But don’t be surprised to hear your allergist tell you to stop smoking if you have any kind of allergy whatsoever. If you’re the least bit allergic, smoke of any kind will make matters worse.

”Aside from cancer 20 years down the road, smoking is likely to be contributing to health problems you’re having right now,” says Dr. Bell. You have more control over smokers in your own home than anywhere else. Track up No Smoking signs if you have to. Should someone manage to sneak a light behind your back anyway, air out the place as soon as possible.

Wood smoke is related to cigarette smoke. If you have a fireplace in your house, keep the damper closed when it's not lit. Install glass doors across the front. Have the chimney and fireplace cleaned at the end of season to stop smoky soot from filtering into your house – and your breathing space (Marijuana smoke is also an allergen, and has caused hives and asthma).