Second Hand Smoke Facts
By: vivecaTotal Views: 350, Word Count: 609,
Second hand smoke also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a phenomenon in which a non smoker is subjected to the toxins and hazardous gases of a smoker through the twin process of main stream smoking and side stream smoking. It is similar to the form of chain smoking, only varying in the dimensions of its effects on non-smokers. The facts of passive smoking are inclusive of the theoretical and statistical effects on overall population globally.
Information based on statistical data:
- The US Environmental Protection Agency has recently classified second hand smoke as a carcinogen eventually resulting in lung and mouth cancer.
- The American cancer society claims that second hand smoking is the third largest cause of death in us which takes away 38,000 to 65,000 passive smokers annually.
- According to an American survey only 15% of smoke is consumed by the lungs 85% toxins and harmful gases linger in the air to cause irritation of skin and health. Presence in smoking zone for two hours is equivalent to the amount of toxins consumes by four cigarettes.
- Passive smoking is the cause of 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 22,700 heart attack deaths in US annually.
Involuntary intake of nicotine is responsible for an approximate 150,000 to 300,000 lower respiratory diseases in infants and children under 18 in US.
- A recent study has proved that the survey conducted by Phillip Morris in 1980’s concluded that passive smoking was highly injurious to the heath of children and pregnant women, yet the information was suppressed for two decades.
Where do you consume second hand smoke?
- At home: If anybody at home is addicted to nicotine, the chances of second hand smoke consumption increases manifold. Even if on of the parent is a chain smoker there is a possibility that the child might pick up the habit of smoking from home.
- Workplace: It is a place where it is impossible to stop somebody to smoke if you are allergic to nicotine. Passive smoking cannot be curtailed at a place where it is impossible to control the cravings of people.
- Public places: Such type of places becomes a home for smokers as in many places no law governing body is present to stop the smokers from consuming nicotine.
- In schools and colleges: Students pick up smoke involuntarily from their friends and fellow classmates. This increases the chances of smoke consumption as most of their time is devoted to the premises of school or college.
Environmental tobacco smoke is responsible for the following diseases in non-smokers:
- Lung cancer and blockage in the air passage which leads to regular coughing and wheezing
- Drop in the level of stamina present in the body
- Still birth and less body weight of the infant in the case of expecting mothers.
- Increase in the chances of high blood pressure and heart troubles.
- This form of smoking can even lead family collapse and crumbled relationships.
The only solution to passive smoking is reducing the rate of actual smokers by actively participating in anti-smoking campaigns and organizations. The other easier option is, gifting a smoker friend or spouse a homeopathic medicine which has only gains no side effects. Any method chosen should be authentic and best for the respective smoker.
About the Author
Viveca is a psychiatrist working for the benefit of smokers and non-smokers for past one decade in a government health organisation. One of her studies focuses on the behavioral changes and mental fluctuations in passive smokers. She has recently completed her research on the efficacy of natural and homeopathic medicines in recuperating passive smokers and smokers from the hazards of nicotine. Smoke Deter a natural product launched in the market has extracted its research from Viveca's study and analyses.
Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote