Healthy Lifestyles

HARMS OF SECONDHAND SMOKE

WHAT IS SECONDHAND SMOKE?

• Secondhand smoking, which is also called passive smoking, refers to the inhalation of smoke emitted from smouldering tobacco products or exhaled by smokers during smoking.

• According to studies, a non-smoker may inhale the equivalent of one cigarette when he or she stays in a room in which 20 cigarettes have been smoked. Hence, secondhand smoke is also known as ‘environmental tobacco smoke’.

• Studies show that smokers take an average of 10 puffs per cigarette which add up to about 20 seconds. There are about 10 minutes during which smoke is emitted between the puffs of cigarette. Such smoke can still cause harm to the others.

• Secondhand smoke contains around 4000 types of harmful substances and the concentrations of these are even higher than that in the mainstream smoke. For instance, secondhand smoke contains 2 times more nicotin, 3 times more tar stimulant, 5 times more carbon monoxide and 50 times more carcinogenic substances.

SECONDHAND SMOKE IS HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH

The immediate effects of secondhand smoke on health

• throat discomfort
• irritation to the eyes
• headache, dizziness
• soreness of nose
• coughs and palpitations

The long-term effects of secondhand smoke on health

1) the effects on the respiratory system

• increased coughs and sputum and a reduced level of pulmonary function.
• an increased risk of bronchitis, chronic respiratory tract diseases and lung cancer.

2) Cause atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease

3) the health risk to children

• impaired lung development
• acute asthmatic attack
• an increased risk of pneumonia and bronchitis
• an increased risk of otitis media

4) the health risk to pregnant women

• an increased risk of miscarriage
• higher rates of underweight births and infant mortality

The effects of secondhand smoke on family

Spouse According to studies………. The life expectancy for women with a smoking spouse is 4 years less than that of those with a non-smoking spouse. The risk of lung cancer in the spouse of smokers is 30% higher than that of the general population.

Children According to studies……. About 20% of the cancer cases in children were related to their fathers’ smoking habits. The risk of bronchial diseases is 10-50% higher among children who are exposed to secondhand smoke. Therefore, smoking can affect the health of the grandchildren. Elders who smoke set a bad example to their offspring, who are more likely to imitate adult smoking and eventually become smokers themselves.

Considering the immediate and long-term health risks posed to others, smoking is more than just a personal matter. In fact, the best present that you can give to your family, friends and co-workers is to quit. Even elders who have smoked for decades can still reap the health benefits by giving up smoking.

EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO KEEP SECONDHAND
SMOKE AWAY. FOR INSTANCE……….

1. Choose a‘ smoke-free restaurant ’.

2. Choose to sit in the non-smoking area.

3. If someone is smoking in the smoke-free area , ask the manager to stop him.

4. If someone is smoking in the shopping mall, seek help from the security staff.

5. Advocate smoke-free workplace policy.

6. Persuade relatives and friends not to smoke at home especially in the presence of children or the elderly.

7. Encourage relatives and friends to quit smoking.

8. Everyone has the right to say ‘no’ to secondhand smoke . It is important to make your voice heard.

Related websites :

Department of Health
The Tobacco Control Office, Department of Health

Related informations :

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Smoking