How Second-Hand Smoke Affects the Body
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Cancer
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Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Secondhand smoke is also dangerous. According to the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke contains over 4000 chemical compounds, 60 of which have been known to lead to cancer.
Breathing
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Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke from their parents can also be affected. Lung infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia can occur. Secondhand smoke can also exacerbate asthma symptoms.
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Ears
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The middle ear is another location on the body that gets affected by secondhand smoke. It causes ear infections and fluid buildup. According to the American Lung Association, there are approximately 790,000 physician visits a year as a result of this.
Heart
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Carbon monoxide is a substance that is found in the smoke from tobacco. It is a poisonous gas that can rob the body of oxygen. For that reason, second- smoke causes the heart to pump harder, which can lead to heart disease.
Immediately
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Just minutes after breathing in secondhand smoke, the body can feel some effects. These include irritated eyes, nausea, coughing, dizziness and headaches.
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