Are you aware that 600 000 people dies every year because of second hand smoke? Second hand smoke is defined as the kind of smoke exhaled by smokers and the smoke discharged when tobacco products such as bidis, water pipes and cigarettes are burnt. The majorities of us have breathed in second hand smoke but we regard it as harmless as we may not actually be smoking the cigarettes. However, second hand smoke is dangerous as it contains numerous chemicals including hydrogen cyanide, ammonia and arsenic, which are believed to cause cancer when inhaled in large amounts.

Second hand smoke exposes one to many infections and diseases such as respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia as well as sneezing, coughing in addition to a sore throat yet you may not even be aware of the cause. In people with asthma, second hand smoke is said to set off asthma attacks and cause cancer and heart diseases as well as sudden death in young children and babies.

One thing you must realize is that the effects of second hand smoke are felt almost instantaneously. Breathing in second hand smoke can have an effect on your breathing if you do not smoke and can negatively influence your sports performance. If you reside with individuals who smoke, it is very likely that you will breathe in second hand smoke and it is important to avoid this smoke for the sake of your health by asking people around you to smoke outside the house. Cigarette smoke is said to hang in the air hours after the cigarettes have been put out and it stays on the upholstery for a while afterwards. This means that each time a person smokes in your home then goes away, you are left to breathe in the second hand smoke.

You must avoid travelling in the same vehicle with smokers even when they say they will blow the smoke outside the window. However, while this is very considerate of the smoker, it does not reduce your exposure to second hand smoke. The smoke could be blown by the wing back inside and this is risky regardless of whether it is sporadic or short term. Sitting or walking away from individuals who smoke is not only the most successful but also the simplest way of handling second hand smoke. You are certain of a healthy and long life that is also diseases and infection free when you keep off second hand smoke.