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Even if
you're not a fly, the buzz is real.
Secondhand smoke has been around for as long as anyone can remember. So it's hard to believe that it presents a real health risk. But studies now show that it can be dangerous, even in small amounts. What are the risks? Studies have shown that just thirty minutes of exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to a heart attack if you're already at increased risk. Heart disease risk factors include: |
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Partially blocked arteries
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol |
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Diabetes |
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Most adults have at least one of those risk factors. But regardless of your level of risk, inhaling secondhand smoke puts a measurable strain on your system. Consider these facts: |
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After 5 minutes: The biggest artery in your heart stiffens, putting added stress on your heart. | |||||
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After 20 minutes: Your blood clots faster, which can block arteries and cause a heart attack. | |||||
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After 30 minutes: Your arteries show the same damage as a longtime smoker. | |||||
Secondhand smoke can also increase your risk of having a stroke. In fact, if you're exposed to it regularly, it can raise your risk of stroke by as much as 80%. The risk is even higher if you have a spouse who smokes. Inhaling secondhand smoke has been linked to many
of the same diseases as actively smoking cigarettes, including: |
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Pre-term birth | |||||
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Asthma | |||||
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Heart Disease | |||||
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Lung cancer | |||||
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Cervical cancer | |||||
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Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk for learning difficulties, respiratory infections, ear infections, metabolic syndrome and permanently reduced lung function. | |||||
What can I do? The bad news is, there's no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Ventilation systems and non-smoking sections may slightly reduce your risk, but they can never eliminate it. A good rule of thumb is: if you're in an enclosed area with people who are smoking, you're at risk. The good news is, avoiding secondhand smoke can be
easy. Try the following tips to keep yourself safe. |
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When you go out with friends and family, choose smoke-free establishments. | |||||
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If you live or work with people who smoke, ask them to smoke outside. | |||||
That's it! Those simple steps are powerful ways to protect yourself from secondhand smoke. |
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Get The Details When the city of Helena, Montana introduced an experimental public smoking ban, hospital admissions for heart attack dropped 40%. When the six-month ban was lifted, admissions immediately rebounded to the previous level. Read the latest study and report today:
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