By Anshika Mishra

Copyright medicaldialogues

Tobacco use may significantly contribute to child stunting, reveals a recent WHO report. Despite parents’ best efforts to ensure proper nutrition and healthcare, exposure to tobacco smoke continues to undermine children’s development. Globally, nearly 150 million children under 5 are affected by stunting, and India remains among the countries with the highest burden. According to the National Family Health Survey (2019-21), 35.5% of Indian children under five are stunted, highlighting the scale of the problem at home.The report underscores that maternal smoking during pregnancy is one of the strongest risk factors. It is linked to low birth weight, preterm birth, and restricted fetal growth—major predictors of stunting in the first two years of life. Even second-hand smoke exposure, whether from fathers or other family members, significantly raises risks. Tobacco toxins affect placental function, cutting off vital nutrition to the baby. WHO has called on India to strengthen anti-tobacco laws, expand cessation services, and protect expectant mothers and children from exposure to safeguard future generations. Reference: Kajal F, Prasad V, Ashorn P, St Claire S, Schotte K.; Tobacco and stunting: WHO tobacco knowledge summaries