Passive Smoking
Is Second Hand Smoke Really That Dangerous?
While you are probably aware of the dangers of smoking and still
continue to smoke, do you know that your smoking can also affect the
well being of those around you?
Yes, this is a fact that has been proved over and over again in
different corners of the world. And the number of deaths that are
associated with smoking related illnesses in people who do not smoke,
but are victims of passive smoking, continue to rise.
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which can have
a very bad effect on your health. Many of these chemicals (including
some cancer causing compounds) remain in the cigarette smoke even after
you exhale the smoke, and whoever inhales any portion of your exhaled
smoke is then being subjected to pretty much the same toxic compounds
that you, as a smoker, are.
Children, in particular, are more prone to being affected by passive
smoking. A large number of cases involving children with respiratory
illness caused due to second hand smoke are reported in Australia each
year. A research conducted at the Bosch Institute in Sydney showed that
passive smoking increases the probabilities of sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS).
A child who is exposed to second hand smoke in its initial stages (the
first couple of years) is also at an increased risk of suffering from
conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, croup, ear infections, etc.
Second hand smoke can also affect a baby in the foetal stage, resulting
in a lower ‘birth weight’.
Effects of passive smoking can also been seen in the workplace, and at
times prosecuted. A survey involving Victorian workers showed that
hospitality employees are more likely to work in smoky environments, and
as a result, are more prone to suffer from problems like coughing,
wheezing, sore throats, etc.
The effects of second hand smoke are not limited to human beings, and if
you have pets in your house, they also face increased probabilities of
suffering from breathing related illnesses.
Therefore, even if you aren’t going to quit smoking yourself, at least
be aware of the dangers it presents to others and avoid subjecting them
to your second hand smoke. |
