You may think it smells bad. You may shy away from someone who is smoking simply because you do not want to bear the smell. The scent of cigarette smoke is reason enough for some people to avoid it, but there is a bigger reason: Breathing in another person's cigarette smoke is dangerous. In some ways, it is more dangerous than smoking yourself.
Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke is sometimes referred to as passive smoke. Involuntary smoking is a term that is used when you are forced to breathe passive smoke. The smoke inhaled by a person actually smoking is referred to as mainstream smoke. Whether it is mainstream or passive, any smoke that is inhaled is dangerous. Both mainstream and passive smoke contain more than 4,000 chemical compounds. Over 60 of these have the potential to cause cancer. In fact, according to Cancer.org, secondhand smoke contains more cancer-causing agents than mainstream smoke. These agents are commonly known as carcinogens.
Risk Factors
Secondhand smoke carries the same risks as mainstream smoke, especially if you are exposed to it with any regularity. The list of risks include: cancer, heart disease, asthma and lung infections. Almost 3,500 non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke die every year from lung cancer. Around 45,000 passive smokers die every year from heart disease. Children of parents who smoke are more likely to have asthma, ear infections and bronchitis. A report in 2006 by the US Surgeon General states, "Secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in children and in adults who do not smoke."
Avoiding Secondhand Smoke
Policies regarding smoking in public are constantly changing for the better. While this is a positive development, you are likely to be put in situations where being exposed to secondhand smoke is possible, but avoiding it as much as you can will reduce the risks associated with secondhand smoke, and there are simple ways to do just that. Adopt a no-smoking policy in your home. Inform family and all visitors that you prefer they smoke outside. Don't be afraid to be strict about your rule. After all, it is your health and your family's you're protecting. When going out, know the smoking policy of the establishment you are going to. When possible, request a non-smoking section. You can also request non-smoking hotel rooms at most hotels. Also, do not let people smoke in your car. Even a cracked window will not prevent everyone in the car from being exposed to the secondhand smoke.
Considerations
There is no need to be rude to smokers, in your quest to breathe clean air. A polite request can go a long way. With the known risks of secondhand smoke, it is not unreasonable for you to pleasantly request that someone not smoke around you or your family. When you're out in public, however, making that request may not be as simple. It may be more appropriate, from time to time, to remove yourself from the location of the smoker. Just remember, your health and the health of your family are worth the effort to avoid secondhand smoke.
