Secondhand smoke is actually linked to heart diseases, and even an exposure of only 30 minutes can seriously increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Recent research shows that secondhand smoke can actually damage the blood vessels of healthy nonsmokers.

I agree with beccawib. Yes, passive smokers are affected just like the real smokers themselves, so best thing to do is stay away from the smokers.

Passive smoking includes both smoke exhaled by the smoker as well as smoke from the lit end of the cigarette, pipe or cigar. So while the smoker inhales smoke through a filter, the passive smoker gets the smoke unfiltered. Passive smoking is known to increase your risk to Cancer and Heart diseases.

Thanks for all the responses. Oh no, I've already quitted smoking for 2 years now yet I'm still in the company of my smoking friends. Seems like the dangers of smoking haven't left me yet.

Congratulations for quitting smoking. Now, you need to be away from your smoking friends. Because, passive smoking or second hand smoking is more dangerous than actual smoking. Take care.

Well done on quitting!! Cigarette smoke contains lots of harmful toxins, so it is best to stay away from them completely if possible. It may be worth trying to get your friends to stop smoking too!!

According to research, even low levels of secondhand smoke can still be harmful - that means that to avoid it, you have to completely eliminate smoking indoors. A good ventilation may be needed too.

What effect does smoking have on children?

As children breathe in and out much faster than adults, they do take in a lot of smoke, if you smoke with children around. Passive smoking is responsible for many new asthma cases in children.

Toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke hurts children far more because their bodies are still developing. Ingredients like tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, arsenic and hydrogen cause asthma, chest infections, cough, cold and wheezing in children. They have an increased risk of meningitis and reduced resistance to childhood illnesses.

It is really sad but passive smoking doubles the risk of acute respiratory illness in children, and if both mother and father smoke during the pregnancy, the baby is eight times more likely to die of cot death than if neither parent smoke. That alone should get you to stop if you have an infant at home.

Smoking around children who already have asthma makes their symptoms far worse, while smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of the unborn child developing a wheeze in later life. Anyone who has kids should be aware of this.

I am trying hard to quit, and trust me its tough. I never smoke in front of old people or kids, as I know what it can do to them.

Since in a previous post, everyone agrees that smoking around kids is harmful, what do you think about making it illegal?

http://pokedandprodded.health.com/2008/08/25/should-smoking-around-kids-be-illegal/

Thoughts?

I totally agree with the idea and the article, Pandora.

In theory it is a good idea, but it would never be able to be implemented to great affect.

chancer99 - 27 August 2008 06:07 AM

In theory it is a good idea, but it would never be able to be implemented to great affect.

I totally agree.

I think it is a wonderful idea, second hand smoke is the worst thing for a child- if you are going to smoke at home IMO you should do it outside.

We already have the ban for smoking in public places in the UK, but I think all our rescources are stretched enough that they would not be able to keep a track of all the "criminals" who were smoking around their children- it is a good idea though.

My grand mom died of lung disfuction. She doesnt smoke and drink. Doctors found out bcause of my grand dad who frequently smoke.

I think it is true. Secondhand smokers are not into the toxins that are coming from cigarettes. It may damage their health. So please, no public smoking.

Its bad to smoke around the kids. If you want them not to do smoking then limit your smoking or quit it.