People who don't smoke still suffer the effects of passive smoking by breathing in 'second-hand smoke' from smokers' cigarettes. There may still be smoke particles in the air even if it doesn't seem smoky. One of the dangers of second-hand smoke is that particles from smoke in the air are smaller than in smoke drawn directly from a cigarette and can penetrate deeper into the lungs.
The effects of passive smoking or second-hand smoke include:
- Eye irritation
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Did You Know
"I think most people who do smoke want to give up. It’s very, very hard but I think there is a turning point for everyone. Mine just happened to be my grandson."- Bella, Edinburgh
The effects of passive smoking
A non-smoker who lives with a smoker may be exposed to about 1% of their tobacco smoke from passive smoking. This can increase their chances of developing lung cancer or dying from a heart attack. The same applies to people who work in a smoky atmosphere, which is why Scotland now has a ban on smoking in enclosed public places such as workplaces, pubs and restaurants.