Most everyone by now is familiar with the term "Second-hand smoke." But I wonder how many people know why it is such a threat to everyone breathing it. The moment a cigarette is lit the smoke that results is what contains the thousands of dangerous chemicals known as second-hand smoke. Some of these toxic chemicals include:
- Benzene
- Carbon Monoxide
- Chromium
- Cyanide
- Formaldehyde
- Lead
- Nickel
- Poloniom
The toxic particles in contained in secondhand smoke lingers in the air for many hours. If you breathe second-hand smoke, even for a short time can irritate your lungs and reduce the oxygen in your blood. Repeated exposure to second-hand smoke is all the more dangerous. And the smoke is not the only concern. There is a film that clings to a smoker's hair and clothing, as well as cushions, carpeting and other things. This is referred to as third-hand smoke, which also is dangerous to people, especially for children.