Many people don’t smoke because they know the dangers of smoking. However, they have neglected awareness of secondhand smoke which can cause health problems ranging from respiratory problems to cancer. Nonsmokers need to be aware of the bad effects of secondhand smoking or environmental tobacco smoke. It refers to inhaling smoke from tobacco products while it is burning or smoke exhaled by smokers. Studies have shown that up to 600,000 deaths are caused by secondhand smoke every year.
Secondhand smoke contains various chemical compounds including poisonous gases and carcinogens. When one lights up a cigarette, only as estimated 15% of the smoke is inhaled by the smoker while the other 85% floats around the air. The particles can stay in the air for some time. It clings to hair, clothes, cushions, and other items. If a person stays in a room with a smoker for two hours, the person is actually inhaling about four cigarettes!
There are more than 400 chemicals in secondhand smoke with over 40 cancer causing agents as well as 200 poisons. The EPA classifies secondhand smoke as a Class A carcinogen which is a cancer causing agent. Anyone can be affected by secondhand smoke but there are age and specific groups that are especially susceptible to the risks. This includes children, senior citizens, and people who have respiratory problems. Asthma, bronchitis, and lung problems can be triggered by exposure to secondhand smoke. Passive smoking also increases the chances of heart attack as it damages blood vessels and affects circulation. Based on studies, it can lead to lung diseases, heart diseases, and cancer. Secondhand smoke poses certain problems to pregnant women such as the infant’s low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, and middle ear infections.
With proper planning, most people can minimize or completely eliminate secondhand smoke exposure. Don’t allow smoking inside the house even if there’s a good ventilation system. Don’t allow smoking in the vehicle. In the office, insist strongly on a non smoking policy. Go to establishments that have no smoking policies. There are restaurants and shops that keep their place smoke-free. It’s ideal to avoid smokers and stay away from them as much as possible.
Active smokers should seriously consider quitting. This can address the issue of second hand smoke. People who live or work around smokers should discuss the issue of secondhand smoke and insist of their rights to create a smoke-free environment because it would affect them in the end.
There are enough statistics and information on the dangers of secondhand smoke. Everybody should do their part in trying to create a smoke-free world.
Follow these links to learn more about secondhand smoke.