The American Cancer Society indicates that an average cigarette can contain up to 8mg of nicotine, but that only 1 or 2 mg are actually consumed by the smoker. Which leads us to think that the other missing part is scattered through the environment or consumed by the people around. Hence, second-hand smoke becomes a serious health problem that affects a greater number of people every day.1
Thus, both children and non-smoking adults are exposed to a large number of chemicals contained in cigarettes, without even realizing it. Therefore, being aware of the negative repercussions that passive smoke inhalation has on health can lead to avoiding being around smokers or, why not, quitting smoking for one’s own good and that of others.
Children are the most affected by secondhand smoke, as they unfortunately cannot avoid it
Actually, cigarette consumption has increased considerably, despite the prevention and control campaigns that health organizations have deployed around the world. However, it is good to note that children are the most exposed to passive smoke inhalation, when it is their parents or caregivers who smoke.
Thus, infants exposed to a smoking environment get sick more often, developing ear problems, including hearing loss. At the same time, they are more prone to asthma attacks, abnormal lung growth, and respiratory infections. Similarly, infants are at increased risk of sudden death. 2
In the same way, adults exposed to secondhand smoke are at high risk of developing acute respiratory problems, coronary heart disease and lung cancer. Above all, because the toxicity of cigarettes remains impregnated in the environment, initially generating sneezing, coughing, sore throat, irritation in the eyes and alteration of the respiratory tract.2
The consumption of tobacco products in closed places such as home, work, car or restaurant, endangers public health
We can see that second-hand smoke affects the entire population in the same way, since the environment is loaded with toxic substances that enter the body causing imminent damage. It is there that we understand that it can also affect the skin and eyes. At the same time, the heart and blood circulation are affected; favoring heart and cerebrovascular attacks; endangering the life of the individual. 3
For all this, many countries, in agreement with governments and health organizations, have established norms that avoid smoking in public places. In addition, in some restaurants and public places, smoking areas have been set up to respect the right to free expression. But, taking care of the health of those who protect their lungs and avoid the risks of contracting cancer at all costs.
References:
1.American Cancer Society. Health risks from secondhand smoke. [consultado 5 oct. 2021]. Available in:
2.Wooden John R. Smoking and secondhand smoke: global estimate of the burden of HSM. Public health Mex [revista en la Internet]. Jun 2011 [citado 2021 Oct 06]; 53 (3): 276-279. Available in:
http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-36342011000300013&lng=es.
3.Samet Jonathan M. The risks of active and passive smoking. Public health Mex [revista en la Internet]. 2002 Jan [citado 2021 Oct 06]; 44 (Suppl 1): s144-s160. Available in:
http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-36342002000700020&lng=es.