Smoking is responsible for a number of diseases and adverse health effects for those who choose to light a cigarette every day. But these same health effects hit those who do not choose to smoke, including infants and children who breathe in both the mainstream smoke (the smoke exhaled by the smoker) and the sidestream smoke (the smoke released from the burning tobacco).
Lung Disease
The Mayo Clinic states that those who breathe in secondhand smoke are at greater risk for developing lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or lung cancer. People who already suffer from these diseases may find that their conditions are worsened after inhaling the secondhand smoke around them.
This is supported by a report issued from the Surgeon General that states that nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke, whether it be at work or home, have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Their risk is 20 to 30 percent greater than if they hadn't been exposed at all.
Heart Disease
Another danger of secondhand smoke for nonsmokers is cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease. Breathing in smoke increases the risk of the nonsmoker suffering from a heart attack or developing another type of heart disease by 25 to 30 percent, according to the Surgeon General.
The Mayo Clinic adds that nonsmokers may also suffer from an increased risk of damaged heart vessels, as well as an increased risk of blood clots along with interference of their circulatory system.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Infants exposed to secondhand smoke, either in utero or after birth, are at greater risk for SIDS. The Surgeon General states that babies whose mothers smoke both during pregnancy and after birth have weaker lungs than babies whose mothers do not smoke at all. This in turn places them at greater risk for dying from SIDS than babies who are not exposed.
Infections
Both ear infections and respiratory infections plague more children who are exposed to secondhand smoke than children who are not, the Mayo Clinic says.
The Surgeon General explains that these infections occur from the number of poisons and cancer-causing agents in the secondhand smoke. These toxic substances are responsible for a greater number of infections suffered by children. In addition, children who suffer from asthma may experience an increase in the number and severity of attacks.
Premature Death
Secondhand smoke contains a number of toxins that include formaldehyde, benzene, vinyl chloride, arsenic, ammonia and hydrogen cyanide. Because of these chemicals, secondhand smoke is also known as a human carcinogen, according to the Surgeon General's report.
Nonsmokers are breathing all of these toxins in, even though they choose not to smoke. The exposure to these poisons, both children and adults alike, increases their chances of dying prematurely.
