Secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and cardiovascular problems. Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk, and banning smoking from homes, cars, and workplaces is the best way to combat its effects.
The effects of secondhand smoke on the lungs can be just as severe as those affecting a person who smokes. People who are exposed to secondhand smoke typically have an increased risk of lung cancer and various lung-related diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, and even tuberculosis. Many studies also show that while the effects of secondhand smoke on the lungs are harmful to everyone, they can be especially dangerous for infants and young children. In most cases, children who live in the same household with smokers are much more likely to have frequent ear infections and illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
Pregnant women should also pay special attention to the effects of secondhand smoke on the lungs. When exposed to secondhand smoke, both a pregnant woman and her unborn child are at risk. Babies born to women who live in the same household with smokers may be more likely to have a small birth weight or arrive prematurely. Another possible concern for newborns is SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome. Infants living in homes with smokers tend to be at greater risk of SIDS than babies living in non-smoking homes.
In addition to the effects of secondhand smoke on the lungs, a person exposed to secondhand smoke may also experience cardiovascular problems. Exposure to smoke tends to narrow the arteries because the amount of oxygen in the blood becomes limited. When this happens regularly, the chances of a heart attack or heart disease are usually much greater. Exposure to secondhand smoke could also cause blood pressure to rise and arteries to become clogged, which could also increase the chances of further heart problems.
The best way for a person to combat the effects of secondhand smoke on their lungs and other parts of the body may be to ban smoking from their home without exception. Also, smoking should not be allowed in the car or work space. If a person has visitors to his home who smoke, he should probably ask them to smoke outside. It may also be a good idea for people who want to avoid secondhand smoke to only visit shops and restaurants with strict no-smoking rules. A person who works for a company that allows smoking may be able to end it by talking to the manager and requesting that smoking be banned from the workplace.
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