| Even a half an hour of secondhand smoke exposure causes
heart damage similar to that of a pack a day smoker. Overall negative health
effects of secondhand smoke include: |
| Heart |
|
A half hour of secondhand smoke exposure activates blood platelets,
which can initiate the process of arteriosclerosis (blockage of the heart's
arteries) that leads to a heart attack.
|
|
Nonsmokers' arteries showed a reduced ability to dilate, restricting
blood flow into the heart.
|
|
Secondhand smoke causes about 48,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease
each year.
|
|
Secondhand smoke is accountable for immediate and chronic coronary heart
disease sickness.
|
| Lungs |
|
Secondhand smoke is a known cause of lung cancer, responsible for about
53,000 deaths annually in U.S. nonsmokers.
|
| Eyes and Nose |
|
Secondhand smoke exposure causes eye and nasal irritation.
|
| Secondhand smoke can cause nasal sinus cancer. |
| Sources: National Cancer Institute, Smoking and Health Monograph 10, 1999. Journal of Americal Medical Association, 2001.
|
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