The debate over whether secondhand or passive smoke is hazardous to those around a smoker will likely continue, despite growing numbers of studies that claim secondhand smoke is detrimental to health and wellness. Understanding a few of the risks of secondhand smoke can help smokers and their loved ones make wiser choices.
Premature Death
According to a New York Times article written by John O'Neil that appeared on June 28, 2006, Surgeon General Carmona stated that secondhand smoke is responsible for tens of thousands of premature deaths annually. The article, "The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General," claims that the risk for heart disease is raised by between 25 percent and 30 percent and was responsible for approximately 45,000 premature deaths in 2005, as well as roughly 3,000 premature deaths caused by cancer that year.
Toxin Exposure
People exposed to secondhand smoke may be at risk of developing a variety of illnesses and diseases caused by toxins present in smoke, according to the Mayo Clinic. Such illnesses may include cancer and asthma and cardiovascular disease. Some of the most damaging toxins found in cigarette smoke include benzene, nickel, lead, cyanide and formaldehyde, all dangerous chemicals that may cause irritation to lung linings and reduce levels of oxygen in the blood.
Risk to Infants
Infants exposed to secondhand smoke may experience more ear infections and respiratory infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Infants exposed to secondhand smoke in the home environment daily may also experience more coughing and raising of phlegm than others, and develop nose and eye irritations and redness. Pregnant women exposed to daily secondhand smoke at home or at work are more likely to deliver low birth weight babies than those not exposed. The risks of a baby dying from sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, also increases in homes where smokers live, and may affect the infant before birth or in the first few months following birth.
Increased Risk of Heart Attack
Smoking causes platelets in the blood to clump together in a sticky mess, which may lead to clogging of arteries in the body, according to the American Heart Association. This clogging may cause reduced blood flow and efficacy, which may lead to a heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, daily exposure to secondhand smoke nearly doubled the risk of heart attack.
References
- New York Times: A Warning on Hazards of Secondhand Smoke
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General
- MayoClinic.com: Secondhand Smoke: Avoid Dangers in the Air
- American Heart Association: Environmental (secondhand) Tobacco Smoke
