Secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke is the smoke that comes from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, and the smoke exhaled by a smoker. It contains a mixture of harmful chemicals, including toxins and carcinogens that can affect anyone who inhales it, not just the smoker. Exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and lung cancer, particularly in children and non-smoking adults. Because it can linger in the air and settle on surfaces, it poses risks even in enclosed spaces. Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke is critical for public health.
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Secondhand smoke refers to the toxic smoke that comes from burning tobacco products, like cigarettes, as well as the smoke exhaled by smokers. It contains more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are harmful and can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and heart disease, in non-smokers and especially vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. Breathing in secondhand smoke can lead to immediate health risks, such as asthma attacks and respiratory infections, making it essential to minimize exposure in public spaces and at home for the health of everyone.