What is the effect of passive smoking on the heart?
As mentioned, passive smoking increases the risk of heart attacks. The mechanism behind this is attributed to a chemical called cotinine, which is a biomarker of secondhand smoke exposure. A study published in the June 2004 issue of the British Medical Journal found that the heart risks of passive smoking might be underestimated. This was because blood cotinine levels among non-smokers were associated with a 50-60 percent increased risk of heart disease. Is secondhand smoke dangerous to children as well? Children ate at an even greater risk for developing smoke-related illnesses. In fact most cases of childhood asthma are associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Children exposed to secondhand smoke can develop sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more severe asthma. How can I protect myself and my family? * Make your home and car smoke-free. * Ask people not to smoke around you or your children. * Make sure that your children’s day-c
