.png)
By Catherine L.
An Introduction to Passive Smoking
Passive smoking, also known as secondhand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke, means the inhalation of tobacco smoke by non-smokers. This usually happens outdoors when nonsmokers pass by active smokers. Although passive smoking has been on the radar for a while now, it still deserves more attention.
Statistics provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care show that
For every 8 smokers who die from a smoking-related disease, 1 non-smoker dies from second-hand smoke exposure.
Non-smokers who live with a smoker have a 25% to 30% greater risk of developing heart disease (“About passive smoking”).
What Does Cigarette Smoke Contain?
Cigarette smoke contains over 7000 harmful chemicals that are known to cause cancer and heart disease, referred to as “carcinogens” (Bradfield and Potter 87). Some carcinogens include carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, arsenic, ammonia, formaldehyde, cyanide, benzene, and toluene (Bradfield and Potter 87).
What Happens When Carbon Monoxide Is Breathed in?
When carbon monoxide (CO) is breathed in, it poses harmful health risks. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels such as wood, gasoline, and natural gas. When inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin more easily than oxygen does. Consequently, a compound called carboxyhemoglobin is formed. Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) is a stable complex of carbon monoxide that forms in red blood cells when carbon monoxide is inhaled. (Thaniyavarn)
This interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. The following health problems are some of which can occur when CO is breathed in:
Brain damage: Less oxygen will be carried to the brain.
Cardiovascular difficulties: CO leads to an increased risk of heart problems, which can cause heart disease and heart attacks.
Respiratory difficulties: Coughing and difficulty breathing can occur, as the air passages will be less clear and the lining of air passages will be destroyed.
Fetal harm: When pregnant women smoke, their unborn fetus is deprived of oxygen. This can lead to underdevelopment and a low body mass of the fetus, and it can sometimes lead to a miscarriage(Bradfield and Potter 86, 89).
Measures to Take for Children
Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of passive smoking. Exposure to passive smoking can cause:
Ear infections
Lung infections
Asthma flare-ups
Coughing, sore throats, sniffling, and sneezing (Ben-Joseph).
What parents can do to protect children from passive smoking:
Establish a smoke-free household
Educate family and visitors
Quit smoking
Teach children about the health hazards of smoking
Raise awareness
Conclusion
We must raise awareness and advocate for smoke-free environments, as we strive for a healthy environment and community. By fostering an environment that prioritizes the well-being of nonsmokers, especially children, we can collectively contribute to a healthier and better future for all.
References
“About passive smoking.” Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 14 December 2023, https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-smoking/passive-smoking.
Ben-Joseph, Elana Pearl. “Secondhand Smoke (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth.” Kids Health, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/secondhand-smoke.html.
Bradfield, Philip, and Steve Potter. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Human Biology Student Book. Pearson Education, Limited, 2017.
Thaniyavarn, Tany, MD. Carboxyhemoglobin: Reference Range, Interpretation, Collection and Panels. emedicine.medscape.com/article/2085044-overview?form=fpf
コメント