Secondhand Smoke
First Aid & EmergencySecondhand smoke is the mixture of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, bidi, cigar, or pipe and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. It contains over 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and about 70 of which cause cancer.
Also known as: Environmental tobacco smoke, Passive smoking, Tobacco smoke pollution
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About Secondhand Smoke
About this summary: Written by Swasthya Plus for Indian readers, using MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine as a reference source. For personal guidance, please consult a qualified Health Expert.
Secondhand smoke is the mixture of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, bidi, cigar, or pipe and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. It contains over 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and about 70 of which cause cancer.
Health effects of secondhand smoke include:
- Ear infections and respiratory infections in children
- More frequent and more severe asthma attacks in children
- Low birth weight and preterm birth if the mother is exposed during pregnancy
- Heart disease and lung cancer in adults who have never smoked
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in infants
There is no safe level of secondhand smoke. Even low exposure causes harm.
In India, smoking is banned in most public places under law, though enforcement varies. The only way to fully protect non-smokers is to keep homes and cars smoke-free. If you smoke and want to quit, your doctor can help, and free government cessation services are available.
Reference source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine