SMOKING & LUNG: DANGERS OF SECOND HAND SMOKE
Question: Is it possible to get lung cancer from second-hand smoke? I've never smoked, but I've worked as a bartender in a smoky bar for 20 years.
Answer: Yes. Second-hand smoke (also called involuntary smoking, passive smoking, and environmental tobacco smoke) contains over 4,000 chemicals, 60 of which are known to cause or promote cancer. Nonsmokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke absorb nicotine and other chemicals just as smokers do: They just don't absorb as much, since the smoke they breathe is less concentrated than what a smoker inhales. But if you're consistently exposed to second-hand smoke over a long time, your body will likely have higher levels of these harmful chemicals than someone who isn't exposed.
Second-hand smoke causes about 3,000 lung cancer deaths a year. Furthermore, second-hand smoke can worsen existing lung problems in people with allergies, asthma, or chronic bronchitis. Second-hand smoke can also cause eye irritation, sore throats, and hoarseness. If you're worried about second-hand smoke, take steps to reduce your exposure and see your doctor to help assess your risk.
