Even if you do not smoke, be aware of the dangers of secondhand smoke – which are considerable.
- Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke, is a complex mixture of gases and particles that include smoke from the burning cigarette, cigar or pipe (side-stream smoke) and exhaled mainstream smoke.
- Secondhand smoke contains at least 250 chemicals known to be toxic, including more than 50 that can cause cancer.
- Secondhand smoke exposure can cause heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults.
- Nonsmokers who are exposed to smoke increase their heart disease risk by 25% to 30%, and their lung cancer risk by 20% to 30%.
- Breathing secondhand smoke has immediate harmful effects on the cardiovascular system that can increase the risk of heart attack. People who already have heart disease are at especially high risk.
- Secondhand smoke exposure causes respiratory symptoms in children, and slows their lung growth.
- Secondhand smoke increases sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems and more severe asthma in children.
- There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure. Even brief exposure can be dangerous.
One final note on the skin-damaging effects of smoking. A study conducted in 2002 showed that facial wrinkling, while not yet visible, can be seen under a microscope in smokers as young as 20 years of age.
Were you aware of the extremely harmful effects of secondhand smoke?
I am a 8th grade student from Luverne Minnesota. I am intrigued by your research. My question for your is: Might getting a tatto on my skin, affect my brain negatively.
Sincerely, Mariah Boomgaarden
It is gratifying that someone as high-profile as Dr. Perricone is publicizing this critical issue.
Secondhand smoke is also a trigger for migraines. Millions of migraine sufferers are unaware that even brief exposure can trigger hours, days, and sometimes weeks of unrelenting, agonizing symptoms.
Every neurologist I’ve consulted has confirmed this link and I hope it can be publicized so that involuntary exposure to toxic chemicals will no longer be tolerated.
My precious 84 year old Mother has Emphysema from 2nd hand smoke. My Father smoked his whole life and the workplace Mom retired from after 2o years allowed smoking in a confined space without air exchange. As a RN for 25 years I feel helpless and she has to utilize 2 inhalers everday. Smoking is a killer to the smoker and those surrounding the smoker. There should be more accountability for those who endanger others lives.
it is amazing how many people don’t equate what they do with how they feel. I once knew a guy who drank beer every waking minute, smoke cigs and pot.. one day he says to me.. gosh I think I need to go to the doctor.. I have no motivation to even have sex, i just lay around and generally feel so bad. I said, hum… have you ever thought about what you do to yourself every day.. maybe you could save yourself a ton of money and start changing things there first.
He kinda looked at me like I was speaking some foreign language!
I really don’t understand how people can’t put 2+2.
OY!!