Question

Discussion Prompt

Review the Biology Matters: Health section page of Chapter 10. What can you do to reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke? Why does cigarette smoke have a negative effect on organ systems that are not in direct contact with the actual smoke?

A study published in 2014 found that third-hand smoke is just as deadly as firsthand smoke. Discuss the effects of secondhand and third-hand smoke and suggest measures that individuals and society must take to create a healthier environment for all.

Please support your answer using research updates (at least one source) from credible sources.

Answer 1

Second hand smoke has harmful substances as it contains smoke of burning tobacco. In order to reduce exposure to second hand smoking I ask my close ones not to smoke at my house and step outside for smoking. And another thing is wherever I go at public places I try to prefer the smoke free places so that I can avoid to exposure of second hand smoking.

Second hand smoking can effect to different organ systems like respiratory, circulatory, immune system, musculoskeletal and others. In case of non-smokers that means the one who is getting exposed to smoking are also at risk mainly children and also adults, it can badly affect their respiratory system causing breathing problem and can also have an effect on their heart and vessels.

Yes it has been published that third hand smoke is as deadly as first hand smoke and a research has been done on mice and was observed that liver and lungs are affected by increasing lipid levels and stimulating excess collagen production, as the smoke contains carcinogens (research source-university of California). Effects of second hand smoke are infections like ear infection, lung infections, and severe asthma attacks. Here mostly children are affected. Effects of third hand smoke are heart disease, cancer and in children it may lead asthma, pneumonia and other illnesses. Inorder to reduce or prevent from these smokes and create a healthier environment use smoke free laws, smoking control ordinance, and also prohibiting indoor smoking, not allowing relatives or others to smoke inside your house and if so open the doors and windows of your house.