Cigarette smoking kills Americans each year, a fact that literally no one, even smokers, disputes. The damage done by secondhand smoke, however, is neither as widely accepted nor scientifically proven. Many myths about the dangers--or lack of danger--from secondhand smoke exist. New studies continue to debunk some widely held beliefs and substantiate others.
Types of Myths
Many types of myths about secondhand smoke exist, most centered on the lack of risks to nonsmokers from smokers. One of the biggest myths smokers believe is that smoking only hurts them, not the people around them. But numerous studies show that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke have increased risks of heart disease and lung cancer, the National Cancer Institute reports. Many smokers believe secondhand smoke is harmless outside, but a study done by Stanford University reported in the May 2007 "Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association" that sitting downwind of a smoker, even outside, can cause absorption of carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. Naturally, many smokers are loath to accept this statistic.
Promotion of Myths
Not surprisingly, smokers promote the idea that secondhand smoke hasn't been proven harmful to anyone, and many nonsmokers equally promote the idea that any exposure to secondhand smoke, no matter how small, causes harm. Certain organizations promote the studies that support their conclusions, even if the studies can't be replicated or involve faulty science.
Dangers of Myths
Myths about smoking are dangerous because they muddle the facts, whatever the particular facts may be. It's not always easy to get consistent results with clinical trials and studies, because variables such as the amount of time exposed to secondhand smoke, the distance from the smoker and health factors of nonsmokers can skew results. Many smokers believe that indoor smoking does not pose a risk in ventilated areas, for instance, and may promote smoking in the house or car as long as a window is open. The problem with these beliefs is that they've been proven wrong in a number of studies that show that ventilation, while helpful, does not completely decrease exposure to secondhand smoke, according to MayoClinic.com.
Debunking Myths
The only way to find the truth about secondhand smoke and sort the truth from myths is through well-designed clinical studies. These must be conducted by groups without a particular bias and not, for example, by large tobacco companies who have a vested interest in the results.
Staying Educated
For better or worse, science changes its mind about many "facts" when new evidence becomes available. Large studies take several years to complete, while smaller studies may have too few subjects to give truly meaningful results. Sorting fact from myth about secondhand smoke requires staying on top of new reports and information, which often reverses previous conclusions.
