Many potentially toxic gases are present in higher concentrations in sidestream smoke than in mainstream smoke. Passive smoking or being in a smoky atmosphere will make hair and clothes smell unpleasant. Passive smoking may also cause eye irritation, headache, cough, sore throat, dizziness and nausea. Adults with asthma can experience a decline in lung function when exposed. Passive smokers are at increased risk of some smoking-related diseases, including lung cancer and heart disease.
Passive smoking is a health hazard.
In non-smokers it can cause lung cancer, heart disease, smaller babies in pregnant women and may aggravate respiratory problems and allergies. Employers must protect employees from the discomfort of smoke in rest-rooms or rest areas from 1993 in new buildings and 1996 in existing buildings. Separate rest facilities for pregnant women are also required from 1993. Passive Smoking is unpleasant and affects non-smokers in many ways.