Is second hand smoking really dangerous?

can you even imagine of having cancer due to smoking habit of your peers at college? If no then take it seriously as second hand smoking   is dangerous too.

 

                            Figure2 nicotine patches. [Photograph] by la quits, Dec 13, 2011.

                                  http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=quitting%20smoke

Body:

Second hand smoking facts:

·         Second-hand smoke has at least twice the amount of nicotine and tar as the smoke inhaled by the smoker

·         It has five times the amount of carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that robs the blood of oxygen

·         It also contains higher levels of ammonia (better known as window cleaner) and cadmium (also found in batteries)

·         The concentration of hydrogen cyanide (a poisonous gas that attacks respiratory enzymes) in tobacco smoke is considered toxic

·         It contains nitrogen dioxide which is measured at fifty times higher than the standard for harm

·         Non-smokers who breathe in second-hand smoke can get many serious diseases. It can cause lung cancer, heart disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) asthma and other diseases

·         Regular exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung disease by 25% and heart disease by 10%

Pros and cons of second hand smoking:

·         Second hand smoke exposure is the number two cause of lung cancer (smoking is the number one cause)

·         Marrying a smoker increases your risk of heart disease and COPD

·         Just 30 minutes' exposure to second-hand smoke hardens your arteries (arteriosclerosis); more exposure puts you at risk for heart problems

·         Smoking can increase your risk of miscarriage and stillbirths

·         Babies whose mother smoked while she was pregnant or who are around second-hand smoker after they're born are more likely to die of SIDS