What are the short term effects of passive smoking?

Answer 1

Passive smoking, also known as secondhand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), refers to the involuntary inhalation of tobacco smoke by individuals who are not actively smoking. The short-term effects of passive smoking can have immediate and adverse impacts on the health of nonsmokers. Here are some of the short-term effects:

Respiratory Irritation: Exposure to secondhand smoke can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and throat irritation. Nonsmokers, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like Asthma, may experience worsened symptoms.

Eye Irritation: Secondhand smoke can irritate the eyes, leading to redness, itching, and tearing.

Nasal Irritation: Nonsmokers may experience nasal irritation, including congestion and sneezing, as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Headaches: Some individuals exposed to passive smoke may experience headaches as a short-term effect.

Nausea: Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause nausea in some people.

Dizziness: Nonsmokers may feel dizzy or lightheaded after exposure to secondhand smoke.

Exacerbation of Existing Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or respiratory infections, may experience exacerbation of their symptoms due to exposure to passive smoke.

Increased Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Infants exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Pregnant women exposed to passive smoke also face an elevated risk of complications.

It's important to note that even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can have immediate health effects, and prolonged exposure over time can contribute to more serious health problems, including an increased risk of respiratory infections, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. The best way to protect nonsmokers from the harmful effects of passive smoking is to create smoke-free environments and promote smoking cessation. Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing the associated short-term and long-term risks.

Answer 2

that directly or indirectly, tobacco causes more than 400,000 deaths in the U.S. annually, a figure that represents nearly 20 percent of all U.S. deaths. These deaths have been attributed to a number of conditions defined as tobacco-related, including heart disease (115,000 deaths), cancer (136,000), chronic pulmonary disease (60,000), and stroke (27,000). According to a study published by the British medical journal Lancet, the rate of tobacco-related mortality throughout the entire developed world also averages about 20 percent of all deaths.

Answer 3

Slight irritation, e.g. watery eyes and tickly throat - exactly the same as smoke from a candle, incense stick, log fire or BBQ.

And it makes your hair and clothes smell!

Answer 4

Nothing.

Read the Enstrom & Kabat Research on over 100'000 Californians over 39 years!