What Is Passive Smoking?

Whenever someone smokes a cigarette around other people, he is exposing the individuals around him to passive smoke, also commonly known as second-hand smoke. This means those who breathe in passive smoke are vulnerable to the same harmful substances to which a smoker is exposed.

Victims

• Family members of smokers, particularly children, are usually the most susceptible to passive smoke. Pregnant women who smoke also expose their unborn children to harmful substances.

Effects

• Effects of second-hand smoke include irritated eyes and airways, and increased chances of developing pneumonia, bronchitis, and coughing. According to the World Health Organization, adults exposed to passive smoke are more likely to develop lung cancer and heart disease, while children have an increased chance of becoming smokers when they grow up.

Solutions

• While quitting smoking is the best solution, smokers can prevent family members from breathing in passive smoke by refusing to smoke at home and in their cars. Smokers can protect their loved ones by only smoking outside and by never smoking around their children.