Smoking - Secondhand Smoke

Exposure to other people's tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke / passive smoking) has been linked with the following health problems in adults:

• increased sensitivity and reduced lung function in people with asthma;
• irritation of the eye, nose and throat;
• reduced lung function in adults with no chronic chest problems.
• Secondhand smoke kills 12,000 people every year in the UK

Secondhand smoking occurs when the non-smoker breathes in 'sidestream' smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and 'mainstream' smoke, which has been inhaled and then exhaled by the smoker. Non-smokers who breathe other people's tobacco smoke are exposed to the same 4,000 chemicals that a smoker inhales.
 
Passive smoking also harms babies and children, with an increased risk of lower respiratory tract infection, increased severity of asthma symptoms, more frequent occurrence of chronic coughs, phlegm and wheezing, and increased risk of cot death and chronic middle ear effusion (glue ear).
 
More than 17,000 children under the age of five are admitted to hospital every year because of the effects of passive smoking.
 
For more information and help quitting see these pages:
 
About Smoking
The Scary Stuff
Why Quit?
Some Facts About Stopping
Top Ten Tips for Stopping
Smoke Free Portsmouth