Secondhand smoke is a mixture of different gases and other dangerous particles, which include smoke that is exhaled and breathed out by a person. It also includes smoke from a burning cigarette or pipe or cigar. It is very harmful for health because it contains many toxic chemicals.
Exposure
Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals. Hundred of those chemicals are toxic and about 70 chemicals which cause cancer. Its exposure occurs in work places, homes, public places, bars and private vehicles.
Health Effects in Children
Secondhand smoke causes ear infection in children. It also causes asthma attack. It causes respiratory system infections including bronchitis and pneumonia.
Adults Effects
Adults who do not smoke can be affected by secondhand smoke. It causes heart disease in adults and also lung cancer. Non-smoker adults, who are exposed to secondhand smoke, increase the chance of heart attack up to 20-25 %.
Decrease in Exposure
Secondhand smoke exposure decreases in last few years. The decrease in exposure is happened due to strict laws on smoking in offices and public places. In United States, during 2007-08, 40.1 % decrease in secondhand smoke is found.
Prevention
We can get rid of secondhand smoke by following the rules regarding it. By eliminating smoking from indoor places is the only way to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke.