Breathing in other people’s smoke, also known as passive smoking or second-hand smoking, can be harmful to our health. This is especially true for children and even our pets! Let’s learn more about it.
Facts About Second-Hand Smoke:
- Health Impact: Breathing in second-hand smoke can make people sick. Every year, it’s linked to up to 2,700 deaths in people aged 20 to 63, and up to 8,000 deaths in people aged 63 and older.
- Children’s Risk: Kids living with two or more smokers may inhale as much nicotine as if they smoked 150 cigarettes themselves in a year. That’s a lot!
- Smoke Lingers: Smoke can stick around for up to three hours, even if a room is well-ventilated. It’s like a guest that doesn’t know when to leave!
- Things Absorb Smoke: Walls, carpets, furniture, and even toys can soak up toxins from cigarette smoke. It’s like the smoke leaves a mark everywhere it goes.
Non-Smokers at Risk
Breathing in second-hand smoke can affect everyone living with a smoker, including our pets! Even though people are more aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke, around 2 million children in Britain are still exposed to it at home.
- Increased Risks: Kids exposed to second-hand smoke have a 72% higher chance of getting sick, like chest infections, ear problems, and even heart issues. It’s like a big health risk for little ones.
- Asthma and Cot Deaths: Second-hand smoke has been linked to asthma in children and even the sad occurrence of cot deaths in babies. Hospital Visits: Each year, more than 300,000 children need to see a doctor, and around 9,500 end up in the hospital because of second-hand smoke. That’s a lot of sick days!
- Effects on Non-Smoking Adults: Even adults who don’t smoke can get sick from breathing in second-hand smoke. Their chances of heart disease and lung cancer go up by 25% if they’re exposed to it at home. It’s like a health risk for everyone!
- Pets at Risk: Our pets can also be affected by second-hand smoke. Cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds are not safe either.
- Cat Risks: Cats exposed to smoke have a higher chance of getting feline lymphoma. It’s like they need protection from the smoke too.
- Dog Risks: Dogs might get nasal cancer from second-hand smoke. That’s not something we want for our furry friends!
- Risks to Other Pets: Even rabbits and birds are not safe from the risks of second-hand smoke. It’s like a danger to our entire furry and feathery family.
Zero Tolerance
The British Medical Association says there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. For more information, check out the expert videos available. Let’s all work together to keep our homes and the air around us healthy and smoke-free!