livv777

Thanks for your question. 

Certainly well documented is the fact that pregnant people who smoke can affect the size of the baby resulting in smaller birth weights.  Whether this translates into shorter people later on is not documented.

A few Canadian studies have suggested that heavy long-term smoking can affect height.  One study made a conclusion that smoking 10 cigarettes a day during the teenage years (growth years) can result in boys that are an inch shorter than non-smokers.  This effect was not observed in females.

Second hand, or passive, smoke is only becoming an issue of interest and concern in the last few years.  There have been no studies or documentation of the effects of passive smoke on people during their growth years.  As in other health issues, the risk for developing problems is much less for passive smoke than smokers themselves. 

The growth years are 12 to 18 years old.  There is little increase in height after this time.  Not all teenagers grow at the same rate.  Some will have major spurts early in this time period, while others will be "short" and suddenly "catch up" by the time they are 18.  When considering height, you should look around and take note of your parents, grandparents, and siblings.  If your parents are of short stature, then most likely, you will not be very tall. 

If there is still a major concern, I suggest you discuss this further with your physician. 

I hope this has been helpful.

Martin Cane, M.D.