🚀 go-pugleaf

**PLEASE DO NOT TAKE OFFENSE TO THIS POSTING** (I am a **smoker** who
is having difficulty quitting...found this today...please read!**
HH

Health File #30 - Summer 1994
gopher://BCSC02.GOV.BC.CA:65507/00/BBHFILE/7091%7E7219
 
SECOND-HAND SMOKE: MORE DANGEROUS THAN YOU THINK
 
WHAT IS SECOND-HAND SMOKE?
 
Second-hand smoke is a combination of sidestream smoke (smoke given
off by the burning tip of a cigarette, pipe or cigar) and exhaled
smoke that comes from people who use tobacco. Second-hand smoke is
also referred to as environmental tobacco smoke or ETS.
 
 
IS SECOND-HAND SMOKE HARMFUL?
 
Until recently, second-hand smoke was thought to be only an
unpleasant annoyance which caused eye, nose and throat irritation
to those exposed to it.  However, recent research, including an
extensive study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has
shown that exposure to ETS is a serious public health risk. Experts
estimate that more than 300 nonsmokers die every year from lung
cancer in Canada as a result of ETS. Second-hand smoke also
contributes to many serious heart and lung diseases in non-smokers.
 
 
Second-hand smoke is particularly dangerous for children. ETS
exposure can cause bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections in
children, and sharply increases the severity of symptoms in
children with asthma. Maternal smoking is associated with reduced
birthweight and increased infant mortality.  There is also strong
evidence that infants whose mothers smoke are at higher risk of
dying from Sudden Infant Death syndrome.
 
 
IF I AM A SMOKER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
 
Before it was known how unhealthy and addictive tobacco was,
society approved of smoking. Many of the smokers who began to use
tobacco during that time now, understandably, find it difficult to
stop, although there are much fewer smokers today than there used
to be. Today, only about 25 per cent of British Columbians smoke,
compared with over 50 per cent only a few decades ago. Clearly,
non-smoking is becoming the norm for British Columbians.
 
However, if you are a smoker who doesn't plan to quit, then it is
important for you to protect the health of others who are exposed
to your own smoking. If you DO continue to smoke, please keep the
following points in mind:
 
* The danger from ETS increases with the amount of exposure.
 
* All family members are at risk from ETS, particularly your
children. Some smokers now only puff outside. If this is not
possible, then consider smoking in only one room of the house that
is not used a lot by the rest of your family.  Make sure there is
enough ventilation to minimize the exposure of others to ETS.
 
* Cars are an enclosed, almost airtight space, and tend to
concentrate second-hand smoke. Remember that children are
particularly vulnerable to smoke in a car.  Try not to light up
when there are non-smokers in the car, especially children.  If you
MUST light up, please roll the windows down.
 
* Please respect the rights of others. Three quarters of British
Columbians don't smoke. Your family, friends, co-workers and fellow
citizens should all have the opportunity to breathe clean air.
 
 
IF I AM A NON-SMOKER, WHAT CAN I DO?
 
Because smoking is now recognized as an extremely serious form of
pollution, society has begun to pass laws restricting this
activity. For example, government buildings and vehicles are now
smoke-free, restaurants have non-smoking areas, and many
municipalities in the Province have passed regulations to control
smoking in public places.
 
Depending on where you live, you may not feel that you have
sufficient protection from second-hand smoke. If a public or
recreational facility doesn't respect non-smokers, present your
views to local government or the owner/manager. Many towns and
cities now have completely smoke-free restaurants. Patronize these
establishments, and let the owners of smoke-filled restaurants know
why they have lost you as a customer.
 
 
WHAT ABOUT SECOND-HAND SMOKE IN THE WORKPLACE?
 
Because employees have to spend such a large part of their day at
work, it is no longer considered acceptable that they be exposed to
second-hand smoke in the workplace.  Many workplaces have
eliminated smoking altogether.  Others have restricted smoking to
designated areas, typically an enclosed and separately-ventilated
room that non-smokers need never enter or even use as a
thoroughfare.
 
 
But if ETS is a problem where you work, and informal negotiations
haven't worked out with your fellow workers, then you may have to
approach management or a union representative. Changing the habits
of long-time smokers may be a diplomatic challenge: open dialogue
with all parties involved, and a spirit of compromise, will help
maintain good working relationships in your office.
 
 
HOW CAN WE PREVENT SECOND-HAND SMOKE?
 
Keep in mind that the best long-term solution to ETS is to prevent
people from starting smoking in the first place.
 
Over 90 per cent of adult smokers begin to smoke before they are 17
years old.  Delaying the start of tobacco use by our children and
youth, through education and awareness at home and in school, would
greatly reduce tobacco addiction.  As well as promoting smoke-free
policies at work and in public places, do what you can to support
young people who have made a decision to remain smoke-free.  Get
involved in municipal and provincial policies and programs that
support healthy lifestyle choices for British Columbians of all
ages.
 
 
 
If you have other questions about Environmental Tobacco Smoke,
please talk to your public health unit or department or your family
doctor.
.