Effects of Secondhand Smoke.

Effects of secondhand smoking are not yet realized fully by the general population and grossly underrated. Studies indicate that secondhand smokers are more sensitive to second hand smoke probably because of undeveloped tolerance to tobacco smoke. Though difficult to imagine, it is a fact that effects of secondhand smoke or passive smoking are  as dangerous as smoking itself.

Reading effects of smoking will help you understand how, a secondhand smoker faces the same dangers as a smoker. Smoking statistics explains the statistics of smoking which informs of how widespread smoking is. This in turn tells you how often you are at a risk of being exposed to second hand smoke.

Effects of Secondhand Smoking.

1.Risk of Cancer due to Secondhand Smoke.

Cancer is the most publicized danger of secondhand smoking. Lung cancer is the most common with breast cancer and cervical cancer following closely behind. Risks of other types of cancers also exist. A non smoking women staying with a smoking man is at double the risk of developing lung cancer due to secondhand smoke.

2. Secondhand smoke affects the heart.

The risk of this effect of secondhand smoke comes even with a brief exposure to secondhand smoke. Passive smoking causes hardening and loss of flexibility of the arteries. Furthermore, there is clogging together of the platelets and increase in LDL, the bad cholesterol. Narrowing of the lumen of the arteries due to vasoconstriction and atherosclerosis greatly increases risk of ischemic heart disease such as a heart attack. Loss of arterial flexibility and increased clotting tendency creates a double whammy that can trigger a heart attack. This is especially true in secondhand smokers who have a familial history of heart disease. A non smoking woman staying with a smoking man has a 90% higher risk of developing heart disease.

3. Secondhand Smoke affects the Brain.

One of the effects of secondhand smoking is increased risk of stroke. This is due to the  reasons mentioned above.

4. Effects of Secondhand Smoking on Lung.

Secondhand smoking causes mucus to form in the airways and can cause cough, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia and reduced lung function. As mentioned above lung cancer is one of the prominent dangers of secondhand smoke.

5. Secondhand smoking affects the Ear.

Secondhand smoking has resulted in loss of hearing due to middle ear infection (otitis media).

6. Secondhand smoking and Dementia.

Regular exposure to secondhand smoke increases risk of cognitive loss and senile dementia in later years after the age of 50 years.

7. Secondhand smoke and  Allergy attacks.

Episodes of allergy increase in frequency in secondhand smokers.

8. Secondhand Smoke and Pregnancy.

Secondhand smoke affects the mother and fetus. Reading effects of smoking when pregnant will give you an insight into this problem. Secondhand smoking during pregnancy can cause premature delivery and newborns of smaller size and weight. Congenital abnormalities are also seen in such babies. Such babies are at an increased risk of dying of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). See effects of smoking when pregnant.

9. Secondhand smoking causes hair loss.

Due to adverse effects of passive smoking on circulation, there is improper circulation of blood and oxygen to the various parts of the body including the scalp.  An improperly nourished scalp loses its health and the hair follicles do not get the required nourishment. This results in hair loss.

Summary: These effects of secondhand smoking are established and concluded by studies. As seen secondhand smoke affects a number of systems in the body including the fetus during pregnancy. To avoid these effects of secondhand smoke, keep a safe distance from a smoker and try and make your home and workplace a smoke free zone.

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