There Is 1 Response So Far. »

1. 

   Comment by VeeBee on 5 September 2009:

   Research has generated scientific evidence that secondhand smoke (that is, in the case of cigarettes, a mixture of smoke released from the smoldering end of the cigarette and smoke exhaled by the smoker) causes the same problems as direct smoking, including heart disease,[5] cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and lung ailments such as COPD, bronchitis and asthma.[6] Specifically, meta-analyses have shown lifelong non-smokers with partners who smoke in the home have a 20–30% greater risk of lung cancer, and those exposed to cigarette smoke in the workplace have an increased risk of 16–19%.[7]
   A wide array of negative effects are attributed, in whole or in part, to frequent, long term exposure to second hand smoke.[8][9][10] Some of these effects include:
   Cancer:
   General: overall increased risk;[11] reviewing the evidence accumulated on a worldwide basis, the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded in 2002 that “Involuntary smoking (exposure to secondhand or ‘environmental’ tobacco smoke) is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).”[12]
   Lung cancer: the effect of passive smoking on lung cancer has been extensively studied. A series of studies from the USA from 1986–2003[13][14][15][16][17][18], the UK in 1998[19][20], Australia in 1997[21] and internationally in 2004[22] have consistently shown a significant increase in relative risk among those exposed to passive smoke.
   There is conflicting information regarding increased risk of breast cancer[23][24]
   Passive smoking does not appear to be associated with pancreatic cancer[25]
   Ear, nose, and throat: risk of ear infections[26]
   Circulatory system: risk of heart disease[27]
   Lung problems:
   Risk of asthma[28][29]
   Pregnancy:
   Risk of premature birth[30]
   General:
   Worsening of asthma, allergies, and other conditions[31]
   Risk to children[32]
   Risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)[33]
   Risk of developing asthma[34][35]
   Risk of lung infections[36][37][38][39]
   More severe illness with bronchiolitis, and worse outcome[40]
   Increased risk of developing tuberculosis if exposed to a carrier[41]
   Risk of allergies
   Risk of Crohn’s disease[42]
   Risk of learning difficulties, although this may only be in children exposed before birth.[43] Animal models suggest a role for nicotine and carbon monoxide in neurocognitive problems[39]
   Overall increased risk of death in both adults, where it is estimated to kill 53,000 nonsmokers per year, making it the 3rd leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.[44] and in children[45]

Post a Response

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail