| When they smoke, we suffer |
| |
 |
| Exposure to second-hand
smoke affects the growth of babies and
children. |
|
| |
Are there smokers in your workplace or at home?
Then, there are good reasons for you to get them
to quit, or at least stop smoking around you. If
you are exposed to someone else’s cigarette
smoke, you risk having many health problems.
ETS is a mixture of two forms of smoke produced
by smokers:
| • |
sidestream
smoke: smoke from the burning tip of a cigarette |
| • |
mainstream smoke: smoke
that is exhaled by a smoker |
When non-smokers are exposed to ETS, it is called
involuntary or passive smoking.
You can be exposed to ETS in your home, your workplace
or in any of the public places that you visit, as
long as there is a smoker around.
You may not smoke but the second-hand smoke which
you are exposed to puts you at risk of several health
problems. This is because ETS contains thousands
of chemicals of which a few hundred are poisonous
and over 60 are cancer causing. The following are
some of the ways ETS can harm you:
| • |
immediate
effects include eye irritation, cough, throat
irritation, headache, dizziness and nausea |
| • |
a higher risk of developing
lung cancer |
| • |
a higher risk of developing
heart attacks |
| • |
worsening of pre-existing
heart and lung conditions. For example, passive
smokers with asthma, nose allergies and coronary
artery disease will be worse off. |
| • |
your stamina and fitness
will also be affected |
If your children are exposed to passive smoking
at home or in public places, you have more to worry
about.
For example, exposure to ETS affects the growth
of babies and small children. They are more prone
to having lung problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia
which may need hospitalisation.
Asthmatic children get more frequent and more severe
asthma attacks while children who are exposed to
passive smoking are also more vulnerable to coughs,
colds, throat and ear infections.
Smoking can also harm the unborn baby. Pregnant
women who smoke are more likely to suffer miscarriages
or stillbirths. They are also more likely to deliver
babies prematurely and also give birth to babies
who have a lower weight.
Finally, children who watch others smoke, especially
their parents,
may pick up the habit too, thus exposing themselves
to even greater health risks.
Thankfully, in Singapore, smoking is prohibited
by law in many places. You can also avoid passive
smoking by making your own home a smoke-free zone,
encouraging your office workers to create a smoke-free
work environment and avoiding public places which
are likely to be frequented by smokers. Finally,
encourage and support all smokers in their efforts
to quit.
Remember, passive smoking can kill. Don’t
suffer in silence. Do your part to create a smoke-free
environment today! |
