It has been more than 4 decades ago since smoking was proven to cause lung cancer and other serious diseases. Almost at the same time, the negative perception that second hand smoke can cause serious disease and premature death in both adults and children have been confirmed. Thanks to the report of the United States Surgeon General entitled The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, it has strengthened our view on the ill effects of cigarettes to people who smoke as well as to those who do not smoke.
The report came up with major conclusions on the health risks of second hand smoke, such as:
Second hand smoke is a proven cause of lung cancer and heart disease in non-smoking adults and of sudden infant death syndrome, low birth weight, acute respiratory infections, ear infections and asthma attacks in infants and children. It is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the United States of America each year.
There is no risk-free level of exposure to second hand smoke.
Exposure to second hand smoke has substantial and immediate adverse effects on cardiovascular and respiratory health.
Second hand smoke contains more...