Secondhand smoke is a silent and invisible killer that affects millions of people every year. It’s a mixture of gases and fine particles that comes from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. According to a study done in 2009, around 34% of adults in the Philippines were exposed to secondhand smoke at home, 32% at indoor workplaces, and 73% at public places. It remains a pervasive problem in many public spaces, workplaces, and homes, despite these very harmful effects:
- Lung Cancer
One of the most alarming effects of secondhand smoke is lung cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), secondhand smoke exposure causes more than 7,300 lung cancer deaths among adult non-smokers each year. This means that even if you don’t smoke yourself, you could still be at risk of developing lung cancer if you’re exposed to secondhand smoke. - Asthma
Image Source: Freepik Secondhand smoke is a common trigger for asthma, a chronic lung disease that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 12% of the Philippine population of 90 million, have asthma. Tobacco smoke can make asthma symptoms worse and increase the risk of asthma attacks. For children with asthma, exposure to secondhand smoke can be especially dangerous, leading to severe breathing difficulties and hospitalization.
- Increased Risk for Other Types of Cancer
Secondhand smoke may increase the risk of other types of cancers. In addition to lung cancer, secondhand smoke exposure may also increase the risk of breast cancer, nasal sinus cavity cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors in both adults and children. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke can damage DNA and lead to the growth of cancerous cells.
There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, but you can take some steps to avoid it.
- Choose smoke-free restaurants, bars, hotels, and other public places.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside and away from windows and doors.
- Don’t allow anyone to smoke inside your home or car.
- Support policies that make workplaces and public places smoke-free. They have been shown to be effective in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and improving overall health.
Secondhand smoke is a serious public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Its harmful effects range from lung cancer to asthma and even other types of cancers. It’s time for us to take action and create smoke-free environments to protect ourselves and our loved ones from its effects. Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke is the best way to protect our health.
Sources:
- Ang Init! Ang Hika! Rizal Medical Center Health Corner DOH
- Avoid Secondhand Smoke, CDC
- Smoking and Tobacco Use – Secondhand Smoke, CDC
- Asthma and Secondhand Smoke, CDC
