How dangerous is secondhand smoke?
Secondhand smoke, smoke that is exhaled by smokers and smoke emitted from the burning end of a lit cigarette, cigar, or pipe, causes more than 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year in persons who do not smoke themselves. Also called involuntary or passive smoking, secondhand smoke can also lead to heart disease. The following are some of the most common symptoms associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: • irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat • coughing • excessive phlegm (mucus in the airways) • chest discomfort or pain Children and infants exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to experience ear infections, and asthma, and are at a higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than children and infants without the same exposure. The symptoms of secondhand smoke may resemble other medical conditions and problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
