WEST MILFORD The Passaic County Communities Against Tobacco Coalition and West Milford Township Health Department partnered in an outreach effort to disseminate information about the dangers of secondhand smoke on infants. The “Bibs Campaign” distributed infant bibs imprinted with “Smoke-Free Drool Zone” to mothers on the maternity ward. Counseling on the issue of the dangers of secondhand smoke, along with educational material about the effects of secondhand smoke on infants and children were also offered to the mothers. Tobacco smoke can no longer be tolerated as harmless in a home. Many smokers believe that they can protect their children from tobacco smoke if they smoke outside, or in a different room. A new study from researchers at San Diego State University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that these parents may not be offering much protection to their children from secondhand smoke for a number of reasons. Babies who live with smokers may be exposed to cigarette fumes that may contaminate dust that settles in carpets, floors, toys, furniture surfaces, and on the floor. Babies spend a lot of time crawling on the floor and they tend to put things in their mouth and may ingest these contaminates. Charles DeVeau, the coalition coordinator, stated “many mothers are not aware of this danger and it’s important that they be informed.” The Passaic Count CAT Coalition will be partnering with local Baby Wellness Clinics and Hospitals in Passaic County to distribute the bibs and information about the dangers of secondhand smoke on infants and children.