We have always known that smoking is one of the biggest killers
in the world today. Lung cancer, heart attacks and Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Diseases are all caused by smoking. Yet it is a surprise that
still there are 1.5 billion smokers in the world today. Regardless, this
article is not going to talk about them, but rather of the other 4.9
billion who get affected by their smoking.
Passive smoking or second hand smoking is the inhalation of smoke used by others. Inhalation of smoke causes life threatening effects as well. Here are the common effects of passive smoking:
Cancer - not just lung cancer but breast cancer and brain tumor as well. Although in lowered risk, there is still the possible occurrence. Infants and children who are exposed to an environment of smokers are the ones greatly affected. It is because their immune systems are generally lowered compared to that of an adult.
Pregnancy-related effects - for a pregnant mother, premature births and congenital abnormalities may occur. There are instances when the newborn has relatively lowered birth rate.
Skin Disorders - smoke that is inhaled and that sticks to the skin causes various disorders. Atopic dermatitis is an example which is characterized by drying of skin, itching and the formation of lesions.
Lung problems - examples of which are lung infections and asthma. It is estimated that up to 300,000 cases of respiratory tract infections are reported each year. Asthma on the other hand shows symptoms such as chest tightness, coughing and shortness of breath.
These findings are staggering considering second hand smoke is merely a byproduct. In order to lessen these fatal incidences, both smokers and non-smokers should help one another. The same reason that non-smokers respect the choice of smokers to smoke, smokers also should respect the non-smokers' right to fresh air. They should provide space for each other and not be in each other's way. Consideration should be from both sides. By only taking into consideration each and everyone's beliefs, can there ever be a way to allow people to respect each other.
It is believed that smoke from a smoldering cigarette often contains higher concentrations of toxins compared to the one that is exhaled. It is this staggering studies that make for the advocacy of smoking bans. Today, workplaces and public places have been kinder to non-smokers. Designated smoking areas have been appointed to separate the smokers. This way, smokers will be given their freedom and the fatalities of passive smoking will be greatly lowered.
Passive smoking or second hand smoking is the inhalation of smoke used by others. Inhalation of smoke causes life threatening effects as well. Here are the common effects of passive smoking:
Cancer - not just lung cancer but breast cancer and brain tumor as well. Although in lowered risk, there is still the possible occurrence. Infants and children who are exposed to an environment of smokers are the ones greatly affected. It is because their immune systems are generally lowered compared to that of an adult.
Pregnancy-related effects - for a pregnant mother, premature births and congenital abnormalities may occur. There are instances when the newborn has relatively lowered birth rate.
Skin Disorders - smoke that is inhaled and that sticks to the skin causes various disorders. Atopic dermatitis is an example which is characterized by drying of skin, itching and the formation of lesions.
Lung problems - examples of which are lung infections and asthma. It is estimated that up to 300,000 cases of respiratory tract infections are reported each year. Asthma on the other hand shows symptoms such as chest tightness, coughing and shortness of breath.
These findings are staggering considering second hand smoke is merely a byproduct. In order to lessen these fatal incidences, both smokers and non-smokers should help one another. The same reason that non-smokers respect the choice of smokers to smoke, smokers also should respect the non-smokers' right to fresh air. They should provide space for each other and not be in each other's way. Consideration should be from both sides. By only taking into consideration each and everyone's beliefs, can there ever be a way to allow people to respect each other.
It is believed that smoke from a smoldering cigarette often contains higher concentrations of toxins compared to the one that is exhaled. It is this staggering studies that make for the advocacy of smoking bans. Today, workplaces and public places have been kinder to non-smokers. Designated smoking areas have been appointed to separate the smokers. This way, smokers will be given their freedom and the fatalities of passive smoking will be greatly lowered.
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