Is Campfire Smoke Bad for Babies?
Campfires are great for making s’mores and enjoying quality family time. However, the smoke produced can irritate your lungs, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory issues. Young babies especially, who breathe more rapidly than adults and are not able to filter out smoke, are especially vulnerable to the dangers of campfire smoke. Therefore, it is important to assess the risks before deciding whether or not it is safe to have a campfire in the presence of a baby.
What is Campfire Smoke?
Campfire smoke is a mixture of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and other gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Particulate matter consists of tiny pieces of liquid, soot and ash that can be inhaled and can damage the lungs.
How does Campfire Smoke Affect Babies?
Babies are especially vulnerable to campfire smoke because:
- Babies breathe more rapidly, and therefore, inhale more smoke in a shorter period of time.
- Babies lack the ability to filter out the smaller particulate matter in the smoke which can cause damage to the lungs.
- Campfire smoke contains gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide which can make babies sick.
Is it Safe to Have a Campfire when Babies are Around?
It is generally not recommended to have a campfire when a young baby is around due to the possible damage that the smoke can cause. If you do decide to have a campfire with a baby nearby, ensure that smoke is not blowing in the direction of the baby and create a well-ventilated area.
When deciding whether or not to have a campfire in the presence of a baby, consider the health of the baby and your family as a whole. It may be best to wait to hold campfires until the baby is older and more capable of filtering out the smoke.