Passive smoking refers to involuntarily inhaling cigarette smoke, which can create irritation, asthma and allergies when this phenomenon is repeated. What are the health and pregnancy risks? And with the electronic cigarette?
In 2020, 16% of 18-64 year olds have been exposed to passive smoking in the premises of their place of work according to Public Health France. In 2006, the French government claimed that passive smoking kills 6,000 non-smokers every yearthen in 2012, this number would have dropped to 5,000. It is estimated that passive smoking increases the risk of having a heart attack by 27%, and 25% the risk of lung cancer if the person is exposed to cigarettes by his spouse. What are the health risks of passive smoking ? And for the pregnant woman?
Definition: what is passive smoking?
Passive smoking is the fact inhaling, involuntarily, the smoke given off by a person who smokes. Passive smoking can affect close to a smoker, people who are next to (on a café terrace, in the street, etc.) but also the fetus in the stomach of a pregnant woman. It is the most common cause of household pollution and also the most dangerous. “For there to be disorders linked to passive smoking, it is really necessary that the person inhales cigarette smoke very regularly and heavily, for example if his spouse smokes with the windows closedexplains Anita Diu, clinical addictologist at ANPAA 75. Twenty years ago, people smoked during work meetings“Today, there has fortunately been an awareness of this, and the law prohibiting smoking in public places has made it possible to change things.
It always keep away from pregnant women and children when smoking
What are the health risks of passive smoking?
Exposure to cigarette smoke for long periods in places where you spend more than 80% of your time has more harmful effects than air pollution. The risks associated with passive smoking have been scientifically proven by dozens of studies : A non-smoker who is regularly and heavily exposed to cigarette smoke risks deterioration of the cardiovascular system, lung cancer as well as asthma and respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. “The first health effects are irritation of the respiratory tract: sinus nose lung“, explains the addictologist. The exposed person risk of asthma and developing respiratory diseases, then later lung cancer and deterioration of the cardiovascular system. Of course, the risks are greater in children: smoking in the presence of an infant increased the risk of sudden death (unexplained death). In addition, a young child in regular contact with one or more smokers risks irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, increased frequency of nasopharyngitis and otitisas well as a greater risk of having asthma attacks.
Are electronic cigarettes harmful to those around you?
THE “passive vaping” is much less risky than passive smoking, but exists. Electronic cigarette smoke (which is vapour) is indeed much less harmful than tobacco smoke and disappears almost entirely in less than a minute, 100 times faster than tobacco smoke. However, it contains components that can be toxic, especially for young children.. We must therefore be vigilant.
What are the risks of passive smoking for pregnant women?
“The risk of tobacco smoke for pregnant women, in addition to toxic substances, is inhalation of carbon monoxide. This creates a very low risk that the fetus will be less oxygenated.explains our interlocutor. But the risk is small: the pregnant woman should be exposed for a long time, repeatedly and intensely, i.e. in a closed place”. That’s why it’s always better to stay away from pregnant women and children when smoking.
The fight against passive smoking obviously involves awareness. Fortunately today, “it has become part of the habit of most smokers to get away from others and especially children to smoke, which was much less the case twenty years ago, when parents smoked in the car with the children behind without landing questions“, remarks the addictologist.
Passive smoking: what does the law say in France?
The Evin Law (or law of January 10, 1991 relating to the fight against smoking and alcoholism), banned smoking in public places (such as restaurants or workplaces) as well as in transport. Smokers must therefore now go to specific places to smoke. It is also forbidden to smoke in the car: the driver may be penalized by a fixed fine of €35 if this act prevented him from driving well.
To avoid exposing others, and especially children, to the effects of tobacco, it is always better go smoke outside, in the garden or on a balcony. “For a couple wishing to have a child or expecting one, it is best to do things in advance and to quit together, rather than letting the woman quit alone“, advises Dr. Diu. So, when the child arrives, he will not be exposed.
Thanks to Anita Diu, clinical addictologist at ANPAA 75.