Q. What is secondhand smoke and why is it so dangerous?
|
 |
| |
A. When you inhale tobacco smoke unconsciously or become exposed to secondhand smoke, the process is referred to as passive smoking or involuntary smoking. Scientists speculate that nicotine and other toxins in tobacco and tobacco smoke may mimic sinusitis by affecting the cilia within the sinus cavities.
Passive or secondhand smoke refers to the mixture of smoke produced by a lit cigarette or any smoke exhaled from the lungs of the smoker after taking a puff of his/her cigarette. When you inhale tobacco smoke, consciously or unconsciously, you become exposed to around 4,000 toxic substances. More than 40 of these substances have the potential to cause cancerous ailments in humans.
Smoking can also affect an unborn baby. Babies whose mothers continued smoking during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing asthma, cancer and other respiratory infections. It is advisable that pregnant women quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondary smoke.
Secondhand smoke contains about 85% nicotine and other toxic chemicals that may put you and your child at risk of developing lung ailments or cancer as well as respiratory infections. A child's lungs are smaller and softer, allowing smoke to cover them quickly. This may cause an irritation which could cause an increase in the child's mucus production.
Q. What is in tobacco?
|
|
| |
A. There are thousands of toxic chemicals and substances in tobacco that may cause cancer, lung disease or even cause one to have symptoms similar to sinusitis. When you smoke, these toxins get stuck to your nasal and sinus linings, which could cause infections.
The most common toxins found in second hand smoke include:
- Formaldehyde
- Arsenic
- Radioactive compounds
- Benzene
- Carbon monoxide
|
