About this topic
You may know that smoking is dangerous to your health. But, even if you dont smoke, you can be affected by people who do. You breathe in secondhand smoke when there is smoke: ‚
- Blown into the air by a smoker. This is mainstream smoke.
- From the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar. This is sidestream smoke.
When you breathe in secondhand smoke, it is like you are smoking too. You inhale the same harmful chemicals that smokers do. Both mainstream and sidestream smoke are harmful. The smoke from the burning end of the cigarette, pipe, or cigar has more harmful chemicals in it though. ‚
Smoking also leaves these same harmful chemicals in hair, fabric, furniture, and toys. This is what causes the odor after being around someone who smokes. You or your child may be exposed to these chemicals when you are in a room or car where people often smoke. This is true even if no one is smoking while you are there. Sometimes, this is called thirdhand smoke. ‚
All kinds of tobacco contain thousands of toxic substances. These substances cause many serious health problems. ‚
General
Secondhand smoke is harmful for your body. ‚
There is no safe level of secondhand smoke. Even breathing secondhand smoke for a short time can cause damage to your body. It has been found that harmful effects of second and thirdhand smoke can happen in as little as 5 minutes of exposure. It can lead to: ‚
- Lung cancer
- Lung disease
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Breast cancer
- Leukemia
- Breathing problems like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
- Other cancers of the head and neck (throat)
Children are even more affected by secondhand smoke than adults. Your childs health may be put in danger because of secondhand smoke. Your child may be more likely to have: ‚
- Breathing infections, like bronchitis
- Asthma with frequent and severe attacks
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Breathing problems like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
- Bad ear infections
If you are pregnant and you inhale secondhand smoke, your baby may be in danger. You are more likely to: ‚
- Miscarry or lose the baby
- Give birth early
- Have a baby who doesn't weigh enough
- Have a stillborn baby
- Have a baby with health problems
- Have a baby with underdeveloped lungs
- Have other problems while giving birth
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What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Dont let people smoke in your house or car.
- Don't let people smoke around your children.
- Don't go to restaurants or other public places that allow smoking.
- Make sure your work is smoke-free. If your work has rules against smoking, make sure people follow them.
- Encourage family and friends who smoke to quit.
- If you smoke, never smoke around your children.
- If you smoke, try to quit. This is the best way to make sure your children aren't affected by secondhand smoke.
- If you must smoke, only smoke outside. It is not enough to roll down a window or smoke near the door. The toxic chemicals will still spread throughout the whole car or room.
Helpful tips
If you smoke and want to quit, here are some tips: ‚
- Set a date to quit smoking.
- Keep a diary and record each time you smoke. Include the time and what you are doing. Plan ahead about what you will do instead of smoking when that time or event happens again.
- Avoid places and situations where you are more likely to smoke.
- Tell your family and friends about your plan to quit smoking. Let them know how to help you.
- Remove tobacco products from your home, car, and workplace.
- Ask your doctor for help. There are many resources to help you.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Secondhand-Smoke.cfm ‚
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/TobaccoCancer/secondhand-smoke ‚
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/protect-protegez/tobacco-tabagisme/second-secondaire/index_e.php ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚