Second hand smoke refers to the smoke that is in the air around those who choose not to smoke. It is made up of two different types:
- 'Sidestream Smoke' this comes from the tip of a cigarette or a cigar.
- 'Mainstream Smoke' this is the smoke exhaled by the smoker.
Sidestream smoke is the most dangerous type of second hand smoke and unfortunately it accounts for approximately 85% of smoke in a room.
Second hand smoke can cause:
- Irritation of the eyes - soreness/redness and watering
- Irritation of throat - soreness and dryness
- Coughing - can be chesty or dry
- Breathing difficulties/shortness of breath
- Sneezing and nasal irritation - the inhalation of second hand smoke proves particularly bad for those who suffer from hay fever
- Headaches and nausea
People who are exposed to second hand smoke for example if they work in a smoky atmosphere are more likely to suffer from:
- Asthma
- Chest infections - inhalation of second hand smoke is accountable for increased rates of chest infection if you work in a smoky atmosphere
- Lung cancer
- Nasal sinus cancer
- Heart disease
- Growth problems to unborn children
- Coronary heart problems
It only takes 30 minutes of exposure to second hand smoke to have a significant effect on the body. The Californian Environmental Protection Agency have compared second hand smoke to the likes of other class A carcinogens such as arsenic and asbestos (Californian EPA 1997).
'An estimated 12,000 UK non smokers die annually from second hand smoke (SHS) exposure at home, at work and in social venues'. (Repace, 2003)
