By now everyone knows that smoking is deadly. Cancer, emphysema, asthma and stroke are just a few of the serious health problems that result from smoking. Nonsmokers who spend time around smokers face proven health risks as well. Secondhand smoke has more than 50 carcinogenic substances, according to Medline Plus, an online resource of the National Institutes of Health.
Function
Some of the chemicals in secondhand smoke are benzene, carbon monoxide, chromium, cyanide, formaldehyde, lead, nickel and polonium, according to MayoClinic.com. The chemicals remain in the air for hours after someone smokes tobacco. Once you breathe the chemicals in, they begin to irritate your lungs and lower the oxygen level of your blood. As the secondhand smoke settles, it forms a residue on clothing, furniture, carpeting, skin -- anything it touches.
Risks
Some of the health risks of secondhand smoke include lung disease, heart disease and cancer. Pregnant women especially should be wary. Secondhand smoke could lead to low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome, according to MayoClinic.com. Children exposed to secondhand smoke can develop infections of the middle ear or lower respiratory tract.
Avoiding Secondhand Smoke
The only way to prevent exposure to secondhand smoke is to keep smokers out, according to the American Cancer Society. If you have a smoker in your household, restrict his smoking to an outdoor area. It is not sufficient to use air filters, separate ventilation systems or any other means of indoor segregation.
Nonsmoker Protection
Some local governments are taking action to protect nonsmokers. For example, indoor air laws are common. Typically, these laws forbid smoking anywhere in a facility. Some facilities provide secluded outdoor areas for smokers. The American Lung Association provides a list of public policy initiatives related to tobacco. Use the database to find out what secondhand smoke restrictions are in effect in your state (see Resources).
