Second-hand smoke

Do you allow people to smoke in your home, even if you don’t smoke yourself because you like to be a good host?

Second-hand smoke is produced by burning cigarettes, and is breathed out by people smoking. It is a major cause of indoor pollution in the UK.

Although you may not be able to see or smell it, second-hand smoke persists in a room for an average of two and a half hours after a smoker has left, leaving you to suffer the consequences.

Second-hand smoke is dangerous. It contains 4,000 toxic chemicals such as benzene, tar and formaldehyde, as well as 60 known carcinogens.

Allowing someone to smoke in your home puts you at greater risk of smoking-related health problems. Studies have shown it to increase a non-smokers risk of heart disease by 24% and lung cancer by 25%.

Second-hand smoke can trigger symptoms in people with asthma, exacerbate respiratory problems and even increase the risk of a heart attack in people with an existing condition.

Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of second-hand smoke. It doubles their risk of developing asthma, and inhibits the growth of their lungs. It is also a known cause of sudden infant death syndrome.

If you don’t smoke, then don’t allow someone else to pollute your living space.

This article was published on Wed 2 December 2009