There is no safe level for second hand smoke!
June 28, 2006 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
Tobacco smoke exposure has long been known to be serious health problem for kids. The Surgeon General recently published the strongest statement yet stating that any amount of exposure to tobacco smoke is harmful to people of all ages. The youngest are the most vulnerable. On a daily basis we see the serious effects of tobacco increasing ear infections, worsening asthma, and increases the risk for SIDS (“crib death”).
- Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 substances known to be toxic or carcinogenic, including formaldehyde, benzene, vinyl chloride, arsenic, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide.
- Even brief exposure (20 minutes) to secondhand smoke can cause blood platelets to aggregate, damage the lining of blood vessels, decrease coronary flow velocity reserves, and reduce heart rate variability.
- Secondhand smoke contains many chemicals that irritate and damage the lining of the airways. Even brief exposure can cause changes in upper airway function in healthy adults and lead to asthma attacks in children with asthma.
- Secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in children and in adults who do not smoke.
- Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems.
- Many nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke in the workplace are employed at restaurants, bars, and casinos. A disproportionate number of these workers are minorities.
- Clinicians should routinely ask patients about their exposure to secondhand smoke, particularly those most susceptible to its effects, including children with asthma and patients with existing lung or heart disease.
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