This has the same effect, in terms of breathing, as backing your car up to the front door and breathing exhaust fumes straight from the tailpipe. If you can t convince the smoker to quit, the next best way to avoid inhaling a family member s smoke toxins is to have that person smoke outdoors not in the home, car or any other enclosed space. Everyone is affected by secondhand smoke over a period of time. With pregnant women who do not smoke but are exposed to secondhand smoke, the baby is born with a bi-product of nicotine in his or her hair. Children under 18 exposed to secondhand smoke breathe at a faster rate and have more hospitalizations due to upper respiratory infections or lung diseases bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma.
Adolescents breathing in another s smoke show a decrease in lung volume.
The beginnings of heart disease develop and children exposed to secondhand smoke also have a higher rate of leukemia in childhood. Secondhand smoke can cause adults to develop heart disease, lung cancer, high cholesterol and an extremely high rate of stroke. In a work environment where smoking is allowed, form a group with other nonsmokers and lobby for a smoke-free workplace. A patient should consult a physician before changing or considering any medical treatments. NewsNet Children's Art Museum Dedicated to care and discovery.