Secondhand smoke, also known as ambient smoke or secondhand smoke, is inhaled by non-smokers and is a known health hazard. Consisting of smoke emitted from the end of a burning cigarette and smoke exhaled by the smoker, it contains more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and about 70 of which are known carcinogens. Among the health effects of secondhand smoke are heart disease, lung cancer and asthma.

   Facts about the health effects of secondhand smoke

   1. Heart Diseases: Secondhand smoke has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, such as ischemic heart disease and heart attack. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), secondhand smoke causes about 34,000 deaths from heart disease each year in the United States.

   2. Cancer: Secondhand smoke is classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It is directly linked to lung cancer, as well as cervical cancer and prostate cancer in adults.

   3. Children and secondhand smoke: Children are particularly susceptible to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke has been linked to sudden crib death syndrome, respiratory infections such as otitis media and pneumonia, and asthma.

   4. Asthma: People with asthma who are exposed to secondhand smoke have more frequent and severe asthma attacks, which can be life-threatening.

   Myths about secondhand smoke

   1. Mit: "If you ventilate the room well, secondhand smoke is not a problem." Fact: Unfortunately, ventilation, air filtration and separating smokers from non-smokers do not eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.

   2. Mit: "Passive smoke outside is not harmful." Fact: Passive smoke is harmful both indoors and outdoors. Inhaling smoke outdoors in close proximity to a smoker can be just as harmful as indoors.

   3. Mit: "If you don't smoke every day, secondhand smoke is not a problem for you." Fact: Even occasional exposure to secondhand smoke is harmful. There is no "safe level" of exposure to tobacco smoke.

   Summary

  Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard. It is directly linked to many health problems, including heart disease, cancer and asthma. Despite common myths, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and the only effective means of prevention is to avoid tobacco smoke altogether. It is important to understand the facts about secondhand smoke and take action to protect yourself and your loved ones from this unnecessary health risk.