My sister who lives with her is also a smoker. How do I protect myself from second hand smoke My mother does not care anymore who is around her She says its her house and she will smoke if she wants to. Any help would be appreciated
Good heavens, I can't image what the inside of that house must smell like, and all the nicotine stains on the walls, ceilings, light fixtures, cabinets, carpets, toothbrushes, etc. But like you said, it's her house.
I would just limit my visits to a few minutes if you go inside, there just aren't any other choices.
JessieBelle, I remember back when people thought regular cigarettes were harmless. Well anyone who uses the e-cig are considered "guinea pigs" to see what is harmful in said product. At the moment, it's a myth that the e-cigs are safe, because no scientific studies have been made over a certain time period. E-cig will not help a smoker to quit, because the e-cig still contains nicotine, and the vapor contains a chemical similar to what is used in anti-freeze.
What is sad about serious illnesses/death from tobacco is that tobacco use is a *choice*.
Short of wearing a mask with filter, I don't know what to say. If it's her house and she wants to smoke when you're around, I don't see many options. I would probably limit my visit and avoid inhaling the smoke as much as possible. Ask if you can open a window and sit near it. She may doubt there are health risks, since she's 90 years old.
She could get a HEPA air filter. I have one that really helps, but I don't know if it is specifically designed for smoke abatement. I don't allow any smoking at my house, in my car, and make nasty faces and move away if someone lights up elsewhere.
It's hard when it's your family though, but they are endangering your health as well as theirs.
If you tend toward the comical side, you could wear a full face respirator. But I've found it hard to breathe with them.
Visit Mom by telephone. Limit your in-person visits to short periods. Sit in the yard or on the porch. It is her house and she will smoke if she wants to, and she wants to.
The only way I know to avoid the secondhand smoke in someone else's house is not to be there. If your sister is there now, does your mother need an extra caregiver? Are you also living there or just visiting? If your mother is 90 and smokes, I think it is a bit late to try to change her. If she has to go into a nursing home, you may want to try the electronic cigarettes, since she won't be able to smoke there.
I would just limit my visits to a few minutes if you go inside, there just aren't any other choices.
JessieBelle, I remember back when people thought regular cigarettes were harmless. Well anyone who uses the e-cig are considered "guinea pigs" to see what is harmful in said product. At the moment, it's a myth that the e-cigs are safe, because no scientific studies have been made over a certain time period. E-cig will not help a smoker to quit, because the e-cig still contains nicotine, and the vapor contains a chemical similar to what is used in anti-freeze.
What is sad about serious illnesses/death from tobacco is that tobacco use is a *choice*.
It's hard when it's your family though, but they are endangering your health as well as theirs.
If you tend toward the comical side, you could wear a full face respirator. But I've found it hard to breathe with them.