What are the health risks associated with secondhand smoke?

Secondhand smoke is the smoke that is exhaled by a smoker and then inhaled by a nonsmoker. It is a major source of air pollution, and it can have a number of negative health effects on nonsmokers.

Some of the health risks associated with secondhand smoke include:

• Cardiovascular disease: Secondhand smoke can damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
• Cancer: Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. Exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of lung cancer, skin cancer, and other types of cancer.
• Respiratory problems: Secondhand smoke can irritate the lungs, causing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
• Asthma: Secondhand smoke can worsen asthma symptoms, making it difficult for people with asthma to breathe.
• Pregnancy complications: Exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects and other health problems in the baby.

Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard, and it is important to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.