Second hand smoke exposure whilst pregnant

[KJK1993]

Hello, just after some opinions/advice. I am currently 20 weeks pregnant and my line of work has me visiting people in their homes. I visit a clients house on a very frequent basis which has smokers in. I always come out smelling of smoke and am concerned at the level of exposure and potential damage this could cause. Each interaction probably lasts an hour so it’s not a quick encounter. Not sure whether to raise this as a concern with my team or not - not sure how much exposure is bad… any advice or reassurance welcome! X

Are people smoking while you are there? I have lung disease and I wouldn't want to go in if there were.

Past smoke however is lingering and unpleasant and I can feel chesty after but probably wouldn't be concerned about its impact though I would want to open windows while I was there.

I think you should raise it and see what can be done- even if you said you have heightened smell and its making you really nauseous surely that would be reason enough to look at it. Can someone else see this client?

I would raise it. Is there a union you can talk to?

Thanks for your reply! Another household member smokes in the other room. In fairness they never actually smoke around me but the smell of smoke is quite strong. There are other team members who could see them, I just feel guilty and worried I’ll look like I am being picky with who I am seeing but I know that’s an irrational thought x

I do have a union rep but I don’t want to go that far as my team are very accommodating and I’m sure they’d understand. Just wanted to see if others would feel as concerned as I x

It will have precisely zero effect OP.

I honestly would try not to worry, OP. I was born in an era when masses of people smoked, including my folks. All 4 of us were born full term and healthy, and continued so throughout childhood.

I wouldn't go back to the house personally.

Would wearing a mask help? I wouldn't worry unduly, many of my friends continued to smoke in the 80s (but cut down) and all went on to have healthy babies who are now strapping adults. Could you suggest they open a window while you're there?

It might not be pleasent but I don't think going into a house in which smokers live is going to harm you or the baby ,as long as they are not smoking around you ,
People are allowed to smoke in their own homes .

@GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER

I honestly would try not to worry, OP. I was born in an era when masses of people smoked, including my folks. All 4 of us were born full term and healthy, and continued so throughout childhood.

This. I swear some people cause their own anxiety by being paranoid of everything. Going by today's standards no one should have survived the last hundred years, smoking, wars, lead based paint, car fumes, no seatbelts, the list is endless!

If another team member could easily swap to see that particular client, while you take on their non-smoking client then that sounds like a reasonable adjustment to me. The risk is small but real and it sounds as if the adjustment would be simple and proportionate.

I honestly don't think you should worry, but if you are worrying then absolutely have a discussion at work. I wouldn't make demands, but instead bring up your worry.
There is a duty of care to your wellbeing both physically and mentally, and there may be an easy fix

@CharacterForming

If another team member could easily swap to see that particular client, while you take on their non-smoking client then that sounds like a reasonable adjustment to me. The risk is small but real and it sounds as if the adjustment would be simple and proportionate.

What risk is there exactly ,I get it's not pleasent,but where is the risk in going into a house for a short while that smokers live in but don't smoke around the Op🤔

Sorry but you are getting misinformation on this thread op, have a look at the NHS website on passive smoking:

www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/passive-smoking-protect-your-family-and-friends/

[quote MistySkiesAfterRain]Sorry but you are getting misinformation on this thread op, have a look at the NHS website on passive smoking:

www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/passive-smoking-protect-your-family-and-friends/[/quote]
It's not second hand smoking though as nobody is actually smoking around the Op.

There will always be people who say lots of people smoked in the 50s/60s/70s/80s. Passive smoke is much less risk I agree. But it is not true there is no risk.

I was a low birth weight baby due to smoking, and I have ADHD which is linked to higher rates of smoking.

" Opening windows and doors or smoking in another room in the house doesn't protect people. "

Have you read it @x2boys?

But nobody is actually smoking around the Op

I think when you are doing home visits your entitled to state that nobody smokes in the house while you are there. Although the property will still smell of smoke and might cling to your clothes it's unlikely to harm your unborn baby x

I have ,have you? ,it seems the risk is mainly for families and friends that spend a lot of time with the smoker ,or live with them not somebody who visits for a short period of time as part of their job

I wouldn't going a house where people smoke inside it ever let alone when pregnant. It's disgusting.

Say the smell is making you vom if they don't take 2nd hand smoking seriously.

I would just add to my pp, during the era when a lot of people still smoked (late 70s) I only ever heard of one case of a baby being harmed - it was very premature and didn’t survive.

The mother was someone I worked with, pregnant at the same time as me - she smoked literally about 60 a day (she told me she actually had the first before she even got out of bed) and also drank a great deal of alcohol, which I dare say was a contributory factor.

I think you'll inhale more dangerous fumes walking down a main road from all the car pollution.

I honestly would try not to worry, OP. I was born in an era when masses of people smoked, including my folks. All 4 of us were born full term and healthy, and continued so throughout childhood.

This is wonderful for you but similarly to the "I spent my final trimester drinking wine every weekend and my son is now a 6f4 rugby player" it doesn't help those who are legitimately concerned. If I were you I would raise it with your team and see if/how there can be a work around.

Thanks all for your comments. I had a chat with my team leader today and they are going to put me with that client less now. Appreciate the time you’ve all taken to reply - albeit very mixed responses perhaps I am being over cautious but it’s my first baby and I just want to make sure I am doing everything right. Thanks again x