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Chain Smoking Toddler With Two-Pack-A-Day Addiction 'At Risk Of Brain Damage'

Chain Smoking Toddler With Two-Pack-A-Day Addiction 'At Risk Of Brain Damage'

Shocking footage of the little boy went viral last week, causing a huge backlash

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Earier this month, two-year-old Rapi Ananda Pamungkas hit headlines across the world after it was revealed he was smoking two packs of a cigarettes a day. Now experts have warned that the youngster could be left with brain damage if he doesn't kick the habit.

The shocking footage of the little boy puffing away while his parents stood on and watched caused a massive stir when it was shared online - understandably - and the family have since vowed to help Rapi ditch the cigs.

I mean, it's not exactly news to anyone that smoking isn't good for you, but Colin Mendelsohn - Associate Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales in Australia - has issued a stark warning about the additional risks associated with picking up the habit at such a young age.

"Animal studies have shown nicotine damages the developing brain," he warned.

"It can lead to permanent problems with brain functioning, emotional development, and other cognitive functions.

"All the other symptoms - heart disease, lung disease, cancer - will kick in at a much earlier age.

"What's more, the younger kids start, the more dependent they become, so he will become addicted to that and primed for other addictions as well."

According to Rapi's family he began smoking after picking up used butts outside his mum's stall in Sukabumi, Indonesia and it quickly grabbed hold of him.

Caters/StoryTrender

However, his mum Maryati, 35, said a visit from government officials has helped and he is now smoke-free.

"Rapi has stopped smoking now and plays more with his toys," she said. "I am very happy.

"It was getting to a point where he was crying, begging for cigarettes, otherwise he would rampage, cry and pull his hair.

"It started because he was taking cigarettes butts from the road, he said they are delicious.

"The health department told me it can't go on, but how can I change what he likes?

"When I'm working he walks alone and finds them on the street."

His dad Misbahudin, who is also a smoker, seemed equally reluctant to discourage his son's deadly habit.

"I cannot say no to him when he asks for a cigarette," he said. "I don't even smoke that often. I only smoke at work. When my son smokes he likes to have a cup of mochaccino."

Caters/StoryTrender

His mum went on to say that Rapi hasn't undergone a health check since he started smoking, but that he had been showing some worrying symptoms.

"The other day, he got a fever and his body was going hot and cold," she added. "That's never happened before."

Let's hope the poor little fella is alright and can enjoy the rest of his life as a non-smoker.


Featured Image Credit: Caters/StoryTrender

Topics: Viral, World News, Weird