Yes it can.  Babies and children who cannot avoid cigarette smoke where they live and play are at particular risk.  Young children of smokers suffer more frequent and severe respiratory illnesses and are much more likely to be taken to hospital with chest trouble in the first year of life than the children of non-smokers.  If you, or your partner must smoke, do protect your children from coming into contact with cigarette smoke which could put them at risk of coughs, chest infections and even cot death.  There is also some evidence linking passive smoking with the development of childhood asthma.  Pregnant women should remember that if they smoke during their pregnancy, their children are more likely to make poorer progress at school and they are also more likely to become smokers themselves when they get older.  Have you tried quitting smoking?  You would improve your general health and reduce your risk of contracting heart disease, lung cancer and other associated diseases. New Life Pharmacy can offer help and advice on stopping smoking with the Pharmacy Smoke Free Service.