SECOND HAND SMOKE Meaning and
Definition
-
Secondhand smoke, also commonly known as passive smoking or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), refers to the inhalation of smoke produced by someone else's cigarette, cigar, or pipe. It is the combination of the smoke exhaled by the smoker (mainstream smoke) and the smoke emitted from the burning end of a tobacco product (sidestream smoke). The term "secondhand" implies that the smoke has been inhaled and then exhaled by the initial smoker, exposing other individuals in the surrounding area.
Secondhand smoke is a significant health concern as it contains numerous harmful substances and toxic chemicals, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and other carcinogenic compounds. Exposure to these substances through the inhalation of secondhand smoke can pose serious health risks to the nonsmokers who inhale it, leading to various health problems, such as respiratory infections, asthma attacks, lung cancer, coronary heart disease, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
To reduce the adverse health effects associated with secondhand smoke, many countries and jurisdictions have implemented smoke-free policies and regulations in public places, workplaces, and even private spaces like homes and cars. These measures aim to protect the health of nonsmokers and promote a smoke-free environment. Individuals who smoke are encouraged to do so in designated areas away from nonsmokers to minimize the potential harm caused by secondhand smoke.
