Dangers of Second Hand Smoke

Smoking is hazardous to smokers; that fact is well known. However, smokers are endangering everyone around them through second hand smoke by exposing others to some of the same dangers of smoking the cigarette personally.
Asthma
People who are exposed to second hand smoke have an increased risk of developing asthmatic symptoms. This is especially true in children and people who have weakened respiratory systems.
Cancer
Anyone exposed to second hand smoke for prolonged periods, such as waiters, faces a significantly increased risk of developing cancer. Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer caused by second hand smoke. However, other cancers are possible as well.
Skin Problems
Second hand smoke irritates acne and other skin conditions, such as eczema. The chemicals present in the second hand smoke settle on the skin, which accounts for these effects.
Limiting Second Hand Smoke Exposure
Because people are exposed unwillingly to second hand smoke, many governments are passing laws and ordinances that provide smoke free zones around vital services, including hospitals, schools and government offices. Additionally, some are prohibiting smoking in all public areas, including restaurants.
These laws have numerous effects. They encourage people to quit smoking by limiting the number of places where smoking is allowed. These laws increase the overall health of the area since non-smokers will not be exposed to the smoke as much. This, in turn, minimizes health care costs in that area.
In addition to passing smoking bans, many areas are opting to increase the taxes or minimum allowable costs on cigarettes and other tobacco products. This encourages smoking cessation or at least a decrease in smoking frequency by affecting the smoker’s finances.