Smokers may well be irritated by legislation determining where they can or cannot smoke.
But there are good reasons for the legislation.
In days gone by, one could smoke anywhere. Movies. Aeroplane’s. Grocery stores. Even in the doctor’s rooms. No more.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Further, people who don’t smoke but are exposed to second-hand smoke, even for a short while, can suffer harmful health effects, and even immediate harm.
According to the CDC, since 1964 about 2 500 000 people who did not smoke died from health-related problems caused by second-hand smoke. In babies, second-hand smoke can cause sudden infant death syndrome.
For adults who do not smoke, exposure to second-hand smoke has immediate effects on the heart and blood vessels, potentially resulting in coronary heart disease and stroke.
The Cleveland Clinic warns that second-hand smoke can also increase the risk of asthma, and lung and breast cancer among nonsmokers.
Second-hand smoke can linger in a room for about five hours, even finding its way through stairwells and ventilation units. Particles from tobacco smoke can settle on surfaces and remain there for months, commonly referred to as thirdhand smoke.
Given some of the chemicals found in tobacco, it is hardly surprising that smoking presents a significant health
risk:
- Benzene – a chemical in gasoline.
- Butane – a chemical in lighter fluid.
- Ammonia – a chemical in household cleaning products.
- Toluene – a chemical in paint thinner.
- Cadmium – a chemical in batteries.
- Formaldehyde – a chemical found in fertilizer, embalming fluid and building materials.
Quite a deadly cocktail!
Whether one refers to second-hand smoking or passive smoking, the only way that a non-smoker can reduce their health risk is to either stay away from smokers, or:
- Find smoke-free places to stand or sit.
- Visit venues where smoking is strictly prohibited.
- Ensure that visitors to your home or office know they can’t smoke.
- Even if the windows are down, do not let passengers smoke in your car.
Ideally, non-smokers would want those who are close to them to quit smoking not only for their own well-being but to reduce the health risks of loved ones and friends who smoke. It can prove challenging to quit tobacco, but make a start by talking to your Link pharmacist for advice and, if need be, for medication to assist in the road back to good health.
While all reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this article, information may change or become dated, as new developments occur. The Link group shall not be held liable or accountable for the accuracy, completeness or correctness of any information for any purpose. No content in this article, irrespective of the date or reference source, should be viewed as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or any other suitably qualified clinician.
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