“Passive cigarette smoke exposure (PCSE)” or “passive smoking” is accepted as one of the major health risks for children. Studies show that three out of four children are exposed to passive smoking at home. In this study, passive smoking status of the children in kindergarten, and first and second grades of a primary school in a district of Ankara was assessed via their family. Information gathered from the parents of 283 students was included in the study. In the case of 245 students, the mother, father or other people living in the same residence (86.6%) currently smoke. In 164 houses (58.0%), students were exposed to passive smoking. Sixty-three mothers (92.6%) and 140 fathers (87.5%) stated that they smoke in their homes. Mothers and fathers in the study group put the health of their children at risk in terms of passive smoking. Collaborative work with the school administration is needed to prevent passive smoking in homes, which has been planned in the short-term.

Keywords: passive smoking, home, child, family