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Neonatology (Expert Forum)
Hand me down clothes from smokers' home
Answered by
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco - CA
Questions in the Neonatology Forum are being answered by doctors at University of California, San Francisco.
Hand me down clothes from smokers' home
by carriecubs7, Jan 10, 2009 10:31PM
A friend of a friend gave me some baby girl clothes, which I was very grateful for, because I'm having a girl this April. However, when I got home and looked at the clothes I realized they absolutely stank from smoke. The parents must be smokers. I'm going to wash them but does anyone know if there are any risks with clothes from a house where people smoke? I mean, I already know that my daughter is going to have health problems (she's been diagnosed with Turner's Syndrome) and I definitely don't want to do anything that could cause more problems. What would you do if you were in my situation? Is there a risk for second-hand smoke to my daughter if she wears these clothes? Any and all help/advice/info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by Yao Sun, MD, PhD, Jan 11, 2009 10:52PM
, Jan 11, 2009 10:52PM
There is no evidence that the smoke odor on clothing is harmful after the clothing is washed. You could wash the clothing several times before using it, and consider using bleach in the clothes where that will not harm the clothes (it usually states whether the clothing can be bleached on the clothing label).
I would suggest that if you have enough clothes for your little girl without these ones, then give the smokey ones a miss. That's not to say they will cause harm but clearly you are worried about it and clothes are not worth the worry if you have enough otherwise.
It is generally the actualy smoke that can cause harm but if they still smell of smoke after a wash then they musn't be very hygenic anyway.
Good luck with you baby girl,