Mikaela Millan
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We at Hyfe, Inc., are a company devoted to working on tools to better understand the importance of cough. It is Hyfe’s intention in the future to seek regulatory approval for medical products that analyze cough in order that they may be used to diagnose, monitor, and facilitate better treatment of respiratory illnesses.
We proved and know for a fact that smoking is dangerous for your health. The chemicals from burning tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can cause numerous medical conditions. But did you know that the smoke you inhale from another person, even if you yourself do not smoke, can also be dangerous? This is known as secondhand smoke and it is steadily becoming an alarming public health hazard. Read on to learn more about secondhand smoke and how you can lessen your exposure to these harmful substances.
Second-hand smoking is when someone breathes in the gases and particulates mixture from another person burning tobacco products, like cigarettes, cigars, or hookahs, and is not smoking themselves1. This smoke contains harmful chemicals and toxins that can cause cancer, even for those not smoking. Here are just some of the toxic substances found in tobacco smoke2:
When a person who does not smoke is exposed to secondhand smoke, they inhale all the nicotine and previously described chemicals. The more smoke inhaled, the higher and more toxic the levels in the body become. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and knowing where else these materials are commonly found tells us that even brief exposure can be harmful to our health.
Second-hand smoke is a significant health hazard, particularly for non-smoking individuals who are exposed to it3. Short-term exposure can lead to coughing like smokers, headaches, eye and nose irritation, and a sore throat. In the long run, it can lead to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke by 20-30%4. About 7,330 deaths from lung cancer are rooted in secondhand smoke, while 33,950 people die from heart disease each year. Secondhand smoke was found to be a definitive cause of stroke, accounting for the deaths of 2.5 million people between 1964 and 2014.
In certain populations, secondhand smoke can have additional devastating impacts. In the workplace, $5.6 billion is lost per year due to reduced productivity attributable to secondhand smoke5. There is an increased risk to the health of nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke, particularly in restaurants, bars, and casinos, where levels are 2–5 times higher than in the homes of smokers. People living in multi-unit housing are also at increased risk, as secondhand smoke can spread from common areas like hallways, stairwells, and ventilation systems6.
A significant risk is posed to pregnant women as exposure to secondhand smoke can complicate pregnancy and childbirth, leading to higher rates of stillbirth and congenital birth defects7. The baby is more likely to be born before 37 weeks of pregnancy8.
They may also have a low birth weight or weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces9.
Birth defects such as cleft lip and palate may also be present in the infant at birth, which may cause problems in the child’s development. If exposed to secondhand smoke after birth, babies may be at risk for asthma, bronchitis, ear infections, and pneumonia. This can result in numerous visits to the doctor every year.
Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to children. It is responsible for 150,000 to 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children younger than 18 months10. Exposure to secondhand smoke is also the cause of 7,500 to 15,000 hospitalizations yearly. Secondhand smoke has also been linked to a rise in ear infections, accounting for 790,000 visits to the doctor every year, as well as triggering more asthma flares up in children. Sadly, about 35% (around 23 million) of children in the US are exposed to secondhand smoke and its harmful effects.
Children tend to breathe faster than adults, taking in more of the toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke11. Because they are younger and their immune system is still developing, they are at greater risk of breathing problems, illnesses, and infections. They may also have reduced lung function and as a result, may develop wheezing illnesses and asthma. Lastly, secondhand smoke causes fluid in the middle ear to build up, leading to ear infections that involve numerous doctor visits every year. In the long run, the medical consultations, medications, lost school time, and lost work time for parents can be a huge burden12.
Clearly, even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can have detrimental effects. Thankfully, secondhand smoke exposure is preventable. To mitigate health risks, here are some measures to protect yourself and loved ones from secondhand smoke13:
The first step to change begins at the individual level. By taking measures to ensure a smoke-free environment at home and in the workplace, everyone gets an equal opportunity to breathe in clean air and stay healthy.
The following answers are based on information provided by the Centers for Disease Control14, American Cancer Society15. and the American Lung Association16.
Yes. Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard responsible numerous deaths and hospital visits per year. Even minimal exposure to secondhand smoke can have deleterious effects on your health.
No. The surest way to protect yourself from secondhand smoke is ensure a 100% smoke-free environment. Opening a window, sitting in a separate area, and using an air conditioner or fan does not totally eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.
No. Scientists are still studying the health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke from e-cigarettes. However, the US Surgeon General has found that e-cigarette aerosol may still contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact health.
Ensuring a 100% smoke-free environment at home and in daycare or school is the best way to protect children from secondhand smoke. You can do this by asking people not to smoke around you and your children or choose smoke-free locations.
Research on how long tobacco smoke particles linger is limited, however there is data that suggests they may stay on surfaces for months at a time. This is now known as thirdhand smoke or residual tobacco smoke. Scientists have found that lingering particles combine with gases in the air to form carcinogenic compounds, as well as have many negative health effects on their own.
Secondhand smoke poses a significant public health risk. It not only damages the airways and lungs but also aggravates any underlying respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Secondhand smoke has a particularly negative impact on children and pregnant women, interfering with their growth and development. It is also implicated in the prevalence of lung cancer and heart attacks.
The only way to ensure that everyone has access to clean and breathable air is to take measures for a totally smoke-free environment. Teach your children to avoid secondhand smoke and use establishments that are smoke-free. Support smoke-free policies and take steps to reduce your own exposure to second-hand smoke. There are now numerous resources to encourage and help smokers quit smoking. Listed below are links to helpful online resources:
Mikaela is a dentistry clinician at the University of the Philippines.