Today an increasing number of public and private places are, by law, smoke-free. What are the risks being avoided by disallowing cigarette smoking, and what are the responsibilities of smokers who expose others to their habit?
The Facts
Passive smoking is the inhalation of cigarette smoke that has either been exhaled by a smoker or has come directly from a lit cigarette. Commonly called second-hand smoking, scientific studies have determined that breathing in this smoke exposes passive smokers to the same dangers they would face if they smoked directly. Second-hand smoke contains the same harmful substances.
Cigarette Smoke
The cigarette smoke breathed in either directly or indirectly contains many ingredients that are detrimental to human health. For example, cigarettes contain tar that has cancer-causing carcinogens, carbon monoxide that disrupts oxygen flow in the body. Arsenic and ammonia are also in cigarettes.
Dangers
Generally, passive smoking makes a person susceptible to the same diseases as active smoking, such has lung cancer, heart problems or an increased chance of stroke. Other dangers include increased coughing, ear infection, pneumonia, or an increased risk of contracting diabetes.
Dangers for Children
Children exposed to second-hand smoke are even more susceptible to danger because their lungs are smaller. For them, passive smoking can cause or perpetuate asthma, result in increased coughing and headaches, or nausea. In addition, second-hand smoke can cause dental problems, or result in long-term cardiovascular problems.
Misconceptions
Smokers who think that opening a window dissipates the smoke are mistaken. Cigarette smoke can mix with the air and linger for hours after the cigarette is finished.
Tags: increased coughing