cause immediate harm.
Secondhand smoke can cause ear infections in children, heart disease, lung cancer, more frequent asthma attacks in children, emphysema, increases the risks of heart disease, and can make existing hypertension worse. In fact, nonsmokers who live with a smoker have a 20% to 30% increased risk for developing lung cancer.
Because it can take up to two weeks for nicotine alone to clear from the air in a room where smoking has occurred, opening windows or using fans will not prevent secondhand exposure. Tobacco toxins tend to stick to clothes, hair, furniture, carpets, walls and more, which increases risks of exposure.
Therefore to prevent secondhand smoke, don’t allow people to smoke in your car or your home. When possible, find smoke free hotels, rent smoke free cars, go to smoke free restaurants and bars, visit smoke free public places. Most importantly, teach your children to stay away from secondhand smoke, and make sure caretakers like nannies, babysitters, and daycare staff do not smoke.
Dr. Eva Beaulieu (IG: @dr.evab) has practiced medicine for 11 years as an Internal Medicine Hospitalist. She specializes in treating patients with High Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Obesity in Atlanta, GA.