The effects of environmental tobacco smoke also called "second-hand smoke" are worst in children, but even adults who spend time in smoke-filled places may be harmed.
explanation
Research has shown that exposure to tobacco smoke in the environment causes irritation of the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract in adults; aggravates adult respiratory problems such as asthma; and, if exposure is extensive over prolonged periods of time, may increase the risk of lung cancer and heart disease to a small extent.
Exposure to tobacco smoke in the environment has decreased in recent years because smoking is now forbidden in many public places and workplaces where it was allowed in the past. However, many people are still exposed to tobacco smoke in their own homes, and this is a serious problem for some of them -- especially babies and children, who are more sensitive than adults to the effects of environmental tobacco smoke.
Effects of Tobacco Smoke Exposure on Children
Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke has many different harmful effects on babies and children, including the following:
