$Unique_ID{BRK01579}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Health Effects of "Secondhand" Smoke}
$Subject{smoking passive danger}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Health Effects of "Secondhand" Smoke


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I guess I shouldn't admit this so openly but I still smoke around
the house, though certainly less than previously.  My wife literally screams
at me each time she even smells a bit of smoke, and says that not only am I
killing myself, but I am ruining her health as well.  I don't see how this
could be and so I thought I would send the question along to you.  Is there
any truth to my wife's opinion?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  I believe your wife probably has done some reading that you haven't,
for there have been many investigations into the effect of smoke on people who
breath in these "secondhand" fumes.  Most recently a draft report from the
Environmental Protection Agency was reviewed by a panel of scientists that
concluded that cigarette smoke was the cause of about 3,800 cases of lung
cancer.  And it is felt that the risk to children may be even more
overwhelming.  There are many effects from breathing in the smoke from someone
else's cigarette (sometimes called passive smoke), and perhaps outlining them
for you may help you deal with your wife's ire.  Smoke is an irritant that can
effect the eyes, and throat and nasal passages, causing tearing and sneezing.
From there the smoke is absorbed into the bloodstream through the membranes of
the nose and throat.  In the bloodstream it is picked up by red blood cells,
reducing their ability to carry oxygen.  This causes the heart to work harder,
trying to make up for the deficiency.  The chemicals in the smoke can injure
cells inside the blood vessels, which speeds the formation of fatty plaques
that are the primary cause of blockage.  In the lungs, the smoke particles
cause irritation that provokes the production of excess mucus.  Indirectly
these same particles may cause damage to the walls of the alveoli (the tiny
sacs in the lungs, through which oxygen passes into the blood stream.  This
reduces the efficiency of the lungs, and requires more effort.  And all of
this occurs in someone who is breathing your smoke secondhand.  Can you
imagine what is going on inside of your body?
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
