Studies show that for every eight smokers that die due to tobacco use one non-smoker also dies due to the effects of passive smoking or environmental tobacco smoke. Consistent cases of diseases occurring due to second-hand smoking and alarming statistics call for remedial measures to be taken against second-hand smoking. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke is to avoid exposure whenever possible by ensuring that your environment is 100% smoke-free.
What is second hand smoking?
Second-hand smoke (SHS), sometimes also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is tobacco smoke inhaled by persons other than the intended 'active' smoker. It occurs when tobacco smoke permeates any environment, causing its inhalation by people within that environment.
Some startling facts about Second-Hand Smoke
Separate or ventilated smoking areas do not protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke can spread from a smoking area to a non-smoking area, even if the doors between the two areas are closed and even if ventilation is provided.
Second-hand smoke is the smoke that fills restaurants, offices or other enclosed spaces when people burn tobacco products such as cigarettes, beedis and water pipes. Everyone is exposed to its harmful effects.
According to global statistics published by the WHO, second-hand smoke causes 600,000 premature deaths per year. There are more than 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.
Hazards and ill-effects of SHS
Breathing secondhand smoke for even a short time can have immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Nonsmoking adults who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work have a 25% to 30% increased risk of developing heart disease and a 20% to 30% increased risk of developing lung cancer. In adults, second-hand smoke causes serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer.
Babies of nonsmoking women who are exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy are at risk of experiencing a small reduction in birth weight. In infants and children, secondhand smoke exposure causes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, more severe asthma, respiratory symptoms, and slowed lung growth. According to the global statistics released by the WHO, about 40% of all children are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke at home and almost 31% of the deaths attributable to second-hand smoke occur in children.
How to curb the adverse effects and have a healthier lifestyle?
Studies have suggested that there is "no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke".
There is a need for education and awareness of the general public through discussions and seminars so that non-smokers can protect their own health. They need to be made aware of their right to smoke-free air and the strict legislations that ban smoking in public places.Smokers should also be more respectful of non-smokers and should restrict their smoking habits especially around children. Better still smokers should attempt to kick the butt for their own health and for the health of their family. A complete dose of Nicotine Replacement Therapy products for up to 12 weeks can help the smoker break free from his addiction and embrace a healthier life. Smokers are advised to visit a smoking cessation expert to seek details on Nicotine Replacement Therapy like nicotine chewing gum and devise a quit smoking plan.
