What is Secondhand Smoke?

Smoking is one of the worst things a person can do to their body. But there is something that is actually worse and it doesn't even involve picking up a cigarette. It has to do with breathing in the smoke of other people, otherwise known as secondhand smoke.

Significance

When smoke is inhaled, it causes tar buildup on the lungs, it deprives the body of oxygen and it also increases the risk for strokes. Secondhand smoke is a combination of the smoke from a cigarette, cigar or pipe in conjunction with the first hand smoke exhaled from a smoker. This intensifies the carcinogens and chemicals in the smoke making it a lot more harmful. Secondhand smoke can also linger around in rooms for hours and not even be noticed by innocent bystanders.

Features

A lot of lives are taken at the hands of secondhand smoke. Every year over 3000 people die from lung cancer and almost 60,000 deaths are caused from heart disease (California Environmental Protection Agency, June 2005). These numbers are staggering and they are growing each day.

Time Frame

Even small exposures to secondhand smoke inhalation can be detrimental to the body and cause heart problems This is compounded by continual exposure over time. Children and infants who are always breathing in secondhand smoke from parents are likely to develop respiratory tract infections before they even reach 18 months of age.
One more interesting fact that needs to be mentioned is that when someone is exposed to two hours worth of secondhand smoke in a room, they have in essence smoked the equivalent of four cigarettes.

Theories/Speculation

There are now 19 states that have passed laws making it illegal to smoke in public buildings. This number is expected keep growing and before too long, will cover the whole United States. This is totally justifiable because so many innocent people are being affected by something out of their control.

Warning

Here is a word of caution about "non-smoking sections." Given the facts of secondhand smoke, there really is no such thing as a non-smoking section. Smoke still lingers around even if it is from across the room. Often times, it is breathed in and still goes undetected.
Cigarettes are not the only one to blame. Pipes, cigars and even marijuana are all dangerous and they all create secondhand smoke.

Expert Insight

If a loved one or someone close is trying to quit smoking, the best thing to do is be there for them. Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things to do in the world. People who are in this situation really need the moral support of friends and family more than anything else.