What is second-hand smoke and is it harmful?
Second-hand smoke is the combination of smoke from a burning cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker. Inhaling second-hand smoke, (also called passive smoke or environmental tobacco smoke), from another person’s smoking may be even more harmful than smoking yourself. The smoke that burns off the end of a cigar or cigarette contains more harmful substances (tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine and others) than the smoke inhaled by the smoker. Adults and children who live with a smoker are more likely to develop respiratory illnesses. Children are especially at risk because their lungs are smaller and still developing. Exposure to second-hand smoke can lead to decreased lung function and symptoms of airway inflammation such as cough, wheeze, and increased mucus production, especially in children. Children with asthma are especially sensitive to second-hand smoke. They are more likely to develop asthma symptoms when exposed to second-hand smoke. They are also more likely to develop lung and sin
