While smokers are exposed to multiple toxins found in cigarettes, the people who surround them can also fall victim to an even more dangerous byproduct: secondhand smoke. Health experts reveal that the majority of smoke produced by burning tobacco is not inhaled by the smoker. Instead, this deadly mixture of toxic chemicals is inhaled by people who surround the user. By consuming this byproduct, victims can fall victim to mild issues or near-fatal illnesses.
Secondhand smoke consists of the smoke released from the cigarette itself, as well as the byproducts a smoker exhales. Even after a person has stopped smoking, this deadly concoction can remain in the air for several hours, and a single inhale can prove lethal. Health experts have determined that tobacco (when burned) can produce 4,000 chemicals (including 250 that are directly linked to fatal illnesses).
Individuals who are at the greatest risk of inhaling secondhand smoke are adults and children who live with frequent smokers.
Health Effects
As indicated, breathing in secondhand smoke can result in lethal illnesses or painful physical problems. Individuals who inhale this toxic substance are potentially at risk for developing:
- Severe breathing issues (coughing, wheezing, and excessive phlegm)
- Heart disease (leading to a heart attack or death)
- Lung cancer (due to long-term exposure)
Furthermore, children and expectant mothers are placed at a higher risk for:
- Giving birth to underweight babies (pregnant mothers)
- Lung infections (newborns)
- Sudden infant death syndrome (newborns)
- Severe onset of asthma and subsequent attacks (children)
- Severe bronchitis and susceptibility to pneumonia (children)
Secondhand Smoke is Preventable
The only way to prevent exposure to secondhand smoke is to quit smoking cigarettes altogether. By giving up the fix on tobacco and nicotine, you will ensure your home and public places are clean and pure, rather than poisoned. You will not only prevent your children from developing smoking habits down the road but will also build a happier and healthier future for your family. Different procedures like behavioral therapy and controlled prescription medications are excellent examples of how you can ensure you and your loved ones avoid painful illnesses.
Remember that there is always hope for you. Drugs do not have control over your life. You do. If you or a loved one is a smoker and are seeking help to battle your problems, get in touch with Asana Recovery. Counselors and healthcare experts can walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and help guide you to a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While it might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay safe and content.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your nicotine or tobacco addiction troubles today.
