Secondhand Smoke: The Silent Threat You Can’t Ignore

General
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Even if you don’t smoke, secondhand smoke can still harm you and the numbers are alarming.

:magnifying_glass_tilted_left: Key Facts:

  • :lungs: Health Hazard: Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke have a 25–30% higher risk of heart disease and a 20–30% increased risk of stroke.

  • :baby: Children at Risk: Around 11.2% of the global disease burden from secondhand smoke affects children under 5 years old.

  • :warning: Global Impact: In 2021, secondhand smoke exposure contributed to 1.29 million deaths and 34.9 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide.

  • :brain: No Safe Level: Even brief exposure can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack.

  • :house: Lingering Danger: Smoke clings to surfaces and remains toxic long after the cigarette is extinguished.

:white_check_mark: How to Protect Yourself:

  • Establish Smoke Free Zones: Make your home and car completely smoke-free.

  • Speak Up: Politely ask others not to smoke around you or in shared spaces.

  • Support Smoke Free Policies: Advocate for smoke free workplaces, restaurants, and public areas.

  • Protect Children: Never allow smoking near children indoors or outdoors.

  • Clean Thoroughly: Wash fabrics and surfaces exposed to smoke to reduce lingering toxins.

:speech_balloon: Your Turn:

What’s one step you’ve taken or plan to take to protect yourself or others from secondhand smoke exposure?

MBH/PS

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Second hand smoke is a serious and often underestimated forms of smoke exposure. One step that everyone could take is expressing their concerns if someone, who is smoking in public or near you, is making you uncomfortable.

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I think we need to concentrate more on making areas smoke free like public roads, public vehicles and public places like bus stops, metros, autos and I see people even smoking while driving a vehicle like bikes. In India we see people smoking everywhere like literally everywhere if you go to schools or colleges, you may see watchman’s or service boys smoking surrounding to these buildings. If you visit malls, supermarkets or any other public place you see someone smoking and no one cares. Some smoke while driving with their family members without having any clue that it harms them; some smoke while even travelling in public transports. The problem is we don’t have strict rules strict zones of no smoking as in other countries. Due to this it is even affecting people who are not smokers but also affects people who are innocent and don’t even smoke.

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Secondhand smoke is really dangerous because it affects even those who don’t smoke. It is shocking to know that it increases the risk of heart disease and stroke for non-smokers. Children are the most vulnerable, and many health problems in them come from such exposure. The fact that millions of deaths are linked to secondhand smoke shows how serious this issue is. I believe making homes and public places smoke-free is very important. Personally, I would never allow smoking inside my house or near kids. Small steps like this can protect us and create a healthier environment for everyone.

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Absolutely @sakshe secondhand smoke is harmful, and speaking up politely can protect not just you but also others around from unnecessary exposure.

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You’re absolutely right @Khelaharichandana without stricter enforcement of smoke free zones, secondhand smoke continues to harm innocent people. Stronger policies and awareness are badly needed in India.

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Well said @prasanthkumar protecting kids and families from secondhand smoke starts with small steps like keeping homes and public spaces smoke free. Collective efforts can truly make a big difference.

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