How Harmful is Second-Hand Smoke?

The danger of second-hand smoke is that it causes some of the same harmful effects as first-hand smoke. All of the nicotine is not absorbed in the lungs when the smoker inhales therefore, nicotine remains in the breath when the smoker exhales. This, in combination with the smoke coming from the burning cigarette, is enough to cause health problems for those who are constantly around second hand smoke.

Many children who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke develop asthma. Their bodies are still in the developmental stages, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of nicotine. Smoking around anyone with asthma should be avoided because it may cause an asthmatic flare-up.

Non-smoking parents should be concerned about second-hand smoke, even if they aren't the main source. Even small amounts of second-hand smoke can be harmful. Guests in the home or passengers in the car should not be allowed to smoke inside. When eating at a restaurant, parents can avoid second-hand smoke by asking to be seated away from smokers. Parent's should try to limit their child's exposure to any location were smoking occurs frequently.

Even legislators are beginning to understand how dangerous second-smoke is. Several states have adopted various versions of The Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits smoking in most public areas. Prohibited areas include, places of employment, restaurants, bars, hospitals, schools and school grounds, and zoos.

President of the American Cancer Society, Dileep G. Bal, M.D, has said, "According to a study published in JAMA... A study of San Francisco bartenders before and after California prohibited smoking in all bars and taverns in January 1998 found a decrease in respiratory symptoms four weeks after the smoking ban went into effect. 74% of bartenders initially reported symptoms at baseline and 59% no longer had symptoms at the follow-up."