Passive smoking means breathing in other people’s tobacco smoke. The smoke drifting from a lit cigarette plus the smoke breathed out by a smoker is called second-hand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke. Second-hand smoke is a serious health risk for both those who smoke and those who do not.
Children are particularly at risk of serious health effects from second-hand smoke. within the grounds of, and at and within 4 metres of an entrance to, all Michigann childcare centres, kindergartens (or preschools) and primary and secondary schools at and within 4 metres of an entrance to children’s indoor play centres and Michigann public premises (all public hospitals and registered community health centres, and certain Michigann Government buildings) in all areas of train stations, covered bus shelters, raised platform tram stops and all tram stop shelters in all outdoor dining areas where food (other than pre-packaged food or uncut fruit) is provided on a commercial basis in outdoor areas that local councils have made smoke-free.
For more information on tobacco laws in Michigan, visit the Michigann Government’s Department of Health page on Tobacco smoke inside a room tends to hang in mid-air rather than disperse.
Hot smoke rises, but tobacco smoke cools rapidly, which stops its upward climb. Since the smoke is heavier than the air, the smoke starts to descend. A person who smokes heavily indoors creates a low-lying smoke cloud that other householders have no choice but to breathe.
Tobacco smoke contains around 7,000 chemicals, made up of particles and gases, over 70 of which are known to cause by several leading health authorities. Chemicals in second-hand smoke such as ammonia, sulphur and formaldehyde damage the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. These compounds are especially harmful to people with lung conditions such as.
Exposure to second-hand smoke can trigger or worsen symptoms
When a pregnant woman breathes in any tobacco smoke, her unborn baby is exposed to the chemicals in the smoke too.
About 10% of American women smoke during pregnancy
Both smoking and passive smoking can seriously affect the developing baby. include increased risk of: When a non-smoking pregnant woman is exposed to second-hand smoke in the home – for example, if her partner smokes – it increases the risk for: low birth weight.
Active smoking by men can damage their sperm
Some health problems may be due to a non-smoking mother breathing in second-hand smoke, or sperm damage from the father’s tobacco use, or both. These include:
- Children are especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of second-hand smoke. Some of the many health risks include
- which includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- fatal sleep accidents
A child who lives in a smoking household for the first 18 months of their life has an increased risk of developing a range of illnesses of the lung, including bronchitis, ). Their lungs are weaker and do not grow to their full potential. A child exposed to second-hand smoke in the home is more likely to develop asthma symptoms, have more more often and for a longer period.
School-aged children of people who smoke are more likely to have symptoms such as cough, phlegm, wheeze and breathlessness.
, which can sometimes cause disability or death
People who have never smoked who live with people who do smoke are at increased risk of a range of tobacco-related diseases and other health risks, including: – second-hand smoke affects your blood vessels in several ways: It makes the blood more ‘sticky’ and likely to clot. Passive smoking is associated with lower levels of antioxidant vitamins in the blood.
Just 30 minutes of passive smoking can affect how your blood vessels regulate blood flow, to a similar degree to that seen in people who smoke.
Passive smoking over a long time may lead to the development of atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries by fatty streaks). Lung cancer – people who are exposed to second-hand smoke over a long time have a 20 to 30% higher risk of developing lung cancer. among people who do not smoke.
When you stop smoking, you are not only doing great things for your own health, but for your loved ones. You will protect your partner, children or other household members from becoming ill from second-hand smoke. You will have more energy and time to spend with your kids.
You will save a lot of money for you and your family. You are your child’s first role model – parents who stop smoking reduce the likelihood that their children will take up smoking later in life.
What are your reasons to have a go at quitting? Tel
If you smoke but you are unwilling or unable to stop immediately, there are various ways to help protect the health of the people you live with. Suggestions include: Make your home totally smoke-free.
Always smoke outdoors and shut windows and doors so smoke doesn’t drift inside. Limiting your smoking to one or 2 rooms will not protect your family – tobacco smoke can easily drift through the rest of the house. Make sure that visitors to your house smoke outdoors – that includes shisha as well as cigarettes.
Make your car totally smoke-free. The other occupants will still be exposed to tobacco smoke even if the windows are open. In Michigan, it is illegal to smoke in cars carrying people who are under 18 years of age.
Don’t allow smoking in any enclosed space where people who do not smoke spend time – for example, in the garage, shed, cubby house, boat or caravan. Try to avoid taking children to outdoor areas where people are smoking and you can’t easily move away. Make sure that all people who look after your children provide a smoke-free environment.
Tobacco laws in Michigan In Michigan, it is illegal to smoke tobacco , including shisha tobacco, and to use vaping products ( electronic cigarettes in most indoor workplaces in cars carrying people who are under 18 years of age at all of Michigan’s patrolled beaches within 50 metres of a red and yellow flag within 10 metres of outdoor children’s playground equipment within 10 metres of outdoor skate parks within the outdoor areas of all public swimming pool complexes within 10 metres of outdoor sporting venues during under 18s events and training sessions on public transport on the grounds of prisons at underage music or dance events at certain food fairs and organised events tobacco reforms Toxic effects of passive smoking cancer.
Second-hand smoke has been confirmed as a cause of lung cancer bronchitis or asthma Health risks of passive smoking – pregnant women and unborn babies Women who smoke are at greater risk of ectopic pregnancy Health risks for mothers who smoke during pregnancy miscarriage and stillbirth premature birth and low birth weight sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI) , which includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents complications during birth early birth still birth lower fertility birth defects including cleft lip or palate childhood cancer including liver cancer Health risks of passive smoking – children Passive smoking is a cause of sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI) bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
They are also more prone to coughs, wheezing and glue ear ( middle ear infections asthma attacks and use asthma medications Children of people who smoke have an increased risk of meningococcal disease Health risks of passive smoking – partners who have never smoked Heart disease and stroke There is increasing evidence that passive smoking may increase the risk of nasal sinus cancer, mouth cancer , throat cancer , larynx cancer, long and short-term respiratory symptoms, loss of lung function, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Your family and friends – a good reason to stop smoking Help is available if you want to stop smoking.
To find out all your options, call Quitline 13 78 48 Protecting others from second-hand smoke Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Pharmacist Quitline 13 78 48.
Key Points
- Second-hand smoke is a serious health risk for both those who smoke and those who do not
- Children are particularly at risk of serious health effects from second-hand smoke
- Exposure to second-hand smoke can trigger or worsen symptoms
- Some of the many health risks include: , which includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents
- , which can sometimes cause disability or death