Second-hand smoke is as harmful as smoke inhaled by smokers. Incredible, but true. The air-borne tobacco smoke can have dangerous effects on the health everyone around you, including your family. Do you really know how dangerous tobacco smoke in the air is?
The impact of second-hand smoke in the house
Did you know that second-hand smoke remains for a long time in a room, or even a house? No air purifier, filter or ventilator can eliminate the chemical substances in the smoke, which means that they remain trapped in the air that we breathe for several hours. Even worse, the toxic substances permeate the fabric of sofas, furniture and even walls. A non-smoker who lives where there is second-hand smoke can see their health affected by it and suffer the consequences. What’s more, smoking inside with the door open or smoking under the kitchen ventilator does not eliminate the smoke from entering the air in the house, leaving tar, arsenic and more behind. Breathing toxic air at home? No thanks!
The impact of second-hand smoke on others
Second-hand smoke can be more harmful for those around you than you may think. It affects the health of those who breathe it by irritating their airways, mouth and even their eyes. Some people will even complain of nausea, headaches, while others will develop asthma, bronchitis or even wheezing.
Second-hand smoke thickens your blood, which blocks the circulation in your veins and increases your heart rate. People exposed to air-borne smoke have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, or even becoming a heart attack victim.
Finally, a non-smoker who lives with a smoker is 25% more likely to develop lung cancer and would also be more likely to develop breast cancer.
It is important to stress that children are extremely sensitive to second-hand smoke, even more so than adults. Since their immune system is more fragile, they are easy victims. As they also breathe more quickly, they inhale more chemical substances. Just like the elderly, whose immune system is also more fragile, it is important to keep them as far away as possible from second-hand smoke.
Finally, second-hand smoke also presents a high risk for pregnant women, because the fetal brain can be severely affected by toxic air. To help you quit smoking, think of all of those around you whom your cigarette smoke threatens.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and Accès pharma affiliated pharmacist-owners cannot be held responsible for this information. The information was true and accurate at the time of publication, but it is subject to change.
