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Passive smoking, often referred to as second hand smoke, is basically the smoke generated from cigarettes and the smoke exhaled by smokers. It can't always be seen or even smelt and can remain in the air for up to 2.5 hours. The effects of passive smoking can be just as damaging as that of actually smoking, and it is considered to be dangerous to all non-smokers, especially children. The effects of passive smoking are the reason that there is a smoking ban in most public spaces today.
If you are a smoker, you are inhaling up to 4000 harmful chemicals with every cigarette you smoke. Non-smokers at the receiving end of second hand smoke can also inhale those same toxic chemicals every time they are exposed to passive smoke. As a non-smoker, some of the effects of second hand smoke are:
Although no conclusive proof has been found, passive smoking has been linked to stroke, breast cancer, lymphoma and leukaemia.
Eye irritation including excessive watering of the eyes resulting in a disruption of vision. Constant nasal irritation.
EarsAlthough more common in children, this viral infection can still affect adults.
Upper respiratory symptomsThese can include headaches, dizziness, coughing, wheezing, sore throat, shortness of breath, running nose, and sinus problems. Allergy symptoms may also increase.
HeartHeart rate can change, significantly increasing the chances of coronary heart disease as well as raise the risk of heart failure or a heart attack.
LungsThe risk of lung cancer can increase significantly by up to a third. You may also experience worsening chronic lung condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. There is also an increased risk of bronchitis, pneumonia or the risk of influenza.
GastricConstantly feeling sick or suffering with symptoms of nausea is a common effect of smoking.
Click on the relevant area of the body to find out about how it may be affected by Passive Smoking
While passive smoking has a significant effect on adults, it has an even more negative and damaging effect on children. The reason for this is that children are still developing and growing and are therefore more sensitive to the toxic effects of passive smoke. Children are more susceptible to the following effects of passive smoking:
Although you may already be aware of the effects of passive smoking, you could be finding it difficult to give up for good. You can visit our quit smoking tips page for helpful information to get you started or our page about smoking side effects to show you the effects that smoking has on your body.
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