#passive smoking
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Breathing air which contains other people's smoke was thought to be no more than a nuisance, but recent research shows that it can cause {lung} {cancer} among non-smokers. A burning cigarette gives off 2 types of smoke - mainstream & sidestream. The smoker breathes mainstream, the passive smoker breathes sidestream - the smoke that comes off the end of a lit cigarette.


#Sidestream
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Sidestream smoke is a mixture of irritating gases & tar particles that reach deeper into the {lungs} because they are small. Many non-smokers find smoke causes unpleasant effects such as sore or runny eyes, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, hoarseness & headaches. Non-smokers run a small risk of getting lung {cancer}. This risk is increased if they have lived or worked with smokers over many years.


There is even more risk of the non-smoker suffering a {heart attack}. A recent survey found non-smokers living with smokers have 30% higher risk of death from heart attacks. Researchers found passive smoking increases stickiness of platelets (tiny fragments in {blood} that aid {clotting}). Platelets can form clots in fat-clogged {arteries}, causing heart attacks. 


!i b! Passive smoking is the 3rd leading preventable cause of death (after smoking & alcohol). !n! Children of smokers are more likely to suffer serious chest illnesses (e.g. {pneumonia} & {bronchitis}) & are at more risk of developing heart problems. Research by the Medical College of Virginia showed this risk to adolescent children of smokers. The children were passive smokers since birth.


They had increased amounts of {cholesterol} & lower levels of a {protein} in {blood} that is believed to protect against {heart attacks}. Damage is done quickly & children may suffer health problems after only a few months' exposure to smoke.
!i b! Statistics prove that your children are twice as likely to smoke, if you do. !n!