Secondhand Smoke
...Nearly half the children in England live in a house where at least one person smokes...
Department of Health
Passive smoking increases the risk of stroke in non-smokers by 82%
Passive smoking is a cause of lung cancer
Mothers who smoke double the risk of cot death
Parental smoking is responsible for at least 17,000 admissions to hospital each year of children under the age of five
What is Secondhand Smoke?
- It's other peoples tobacco smoke or tobacco smoke in the atmosphere. It's also known as 'Passive Smoking'
- It's a major cause of indoor air pollution
- It can lead to Heart Disease and Lung Cancer and can make Asthma worse
What is it Made of?
Secondhand smoke is made up of 'side-stream smoke' which escapes from the burning cigarette, and 'mainstream smoke' exhaled by the smoker. The non-smoker breathes 'side-stream' smoke from the burning tip of the cigarette and 'mainstream’ smoke that has been inhaled and then exhaled by the smoker.
What is Tobacco smoke made of?
It contains over 4,000 chemicals. Many of the toxic gases are present in higher concentrations in 'side-stream' smoke than in ‘mainstream’ smoke and nearly 85% of the smoke in a room results from 'side-stream' smoke.
What Are the Effects of Secondhand Smoke?
Medical research shows that Secondhand smoke can have harmful effects on everyone:
Adults
- Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sickness
- Aggravation of Asthmas and allergies
- Increased risk of coronary heart disease
Children
- Increased risk of meningitis
- Ear infections & 'Glue Ear'
- Coughs
- Colds
- Wheezing
Babies
- More likely to be still born
- More likely to be premature
- Increased risk of low birth weight
- Much higher risk of cot death
What Are the Effects of Secondhand Smoke at Work?
Apart from the health benefits above there are many business benefits too. Click here to see what they are.
How can I protect myself from Secondhand Smoke?
- At Home - make it a 'smoke free' house and don't let others smoke in it.
- At Work - Ask your employer to introduce a smoke free policy. Tell them they have a duty to provide a safe place to work. Tell them about this site.
- Out & About - Go to Smoke Free Places or use the smoke free part of the restaurant or bar. Don't let people smoke in your car. Choose smoke free taxis and train carriages.