Secondhand smoke
Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke (pronunciation: /ˈsɛkəndˌhænd smoʊk/), also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is a combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. It is a complex mixture of over 4,000 compounds, more than 40 of which are known to cause cancer in humans or animals and many of which are strong irritants.
Etymology
The term "secondhand smoke" was coined in the late 20th century due to the growing awareness of the harmful effects of smoking. It is derived from the concept that the smoke is not being directly inhaled by the smoker but is being breathed in by those around them, thus they are receiving the smoke "secondhand".
Health Effects
Secondhand smoke is a known carcinogen. Exposure to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, and can cause coronary heart disease and stroke. It also causes lung cancer, nasal sinus cancer, respiratory tract infections, and asthma in adults and children.
Related Terms
- Passive smoking: The inhalation of smoke, called secondhand smoke, or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), by persons other than the intended "active" smoker.
- Sidestream smoke: Smoke from the lighted end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, or tobacco burning in a hookah. This type of smoke has higher concentrations of cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) and is more toxic than mainstream smoke.
- Mainstream smoke: The smoke exhaled by a smoker.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Secondhand smoke
- Wikipedia's article - Secondhand smoke
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