i-teen-Second-Hand Smoke

Jason has a cigarette every time he drives his friends home from school. Mickey is worried about the damage Jason is doing to his body, as well as his concerns for his own health.

The dangers of smoking are so widely publicized, why is it some people take that personal risk, as well as put their friends in danger? Second-hand smoke comes from exhaled smoke, and from the excess smoke from the end of a cigarette. You may not think second-hand smoke can have an effect on you, but second-hand smoke can result in:

‘ Respiratory infections

‘ Asthma (can trigger attacks in those who already have it)

‘ Coughing, sore throats, sniffling, and sneezing

‘ Cancer

‘ Heart disease

It’s very likely you know of someone who smokes, whether it’s a relative, fellow employee, or a peer. Any type of inhaling of these damaging chemicals can become severely harmful, and in some cases cause long-term effects.

If you are addicted to smoking you should attempt quitting. You will look better, feel better, and perhaps if you are concerned, save those you are closest to from suffering the same problems you have not only created for yourself, but those around you.

If you must smoke, have the decency to smoke outside away from others to prevent them from suffering from second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke can have a major effect on small children, and pregnant women, so avoid them at all costs.

Keep in mind that when you smoke, the remnants of your cigarette are still floating around for others to become affected by. The chemicals in cigarettes stick to clothing and can be carried just as easily by a passerby as an addicted smoker.

Do not smoke in a vehicle with other people. Although you may think so, blowing smoke out the window does little to nothing to prevent those around you from inhaling that smoke.

I can only hope you will take these steps to preserve not only your health, but also the health of those who have not made the decision to become addicted to lighting up.