Smoking also reduces the body's testosterone production. For strength training student-athletes this can have an adverse effect because testosterone stimulates the release of human growth hormone which needed for muscle production. The less testosterone available the less muscle the body is capable of producing. Smoking is harmful to all those around the smoker. Secondhand smoke comes from the end of a burning cigarette and from the smoke one exhales when smoking.
Secondhand smoke is classified as a known human carcinogen, or cancer causing agent.
It causes, or worsens, a wide range of negative health effects. These include asthma, bronchitis, ear infections, heart disease, lung cancer, pneumonia, and respiratory infections. They should be directed to Alan Beste, Administrative Assistant, Iowa High School Athletic Association, PO Box 10, Boone, IA 50036. The Iowa High School Athletic Association would like to thank Cathy Callaway and the American Lung Association of Iowa for their assistance in researching this topic.