Health Risk of Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)

Abstract

Environmental tobacco smoke is a preventable cause of significant morbidity and mortality among non-smokers. Reducing exposure to tobacco smoke is an essential community and public health objective. This report documents the substantial evidence characterizing the health risks caused by exposure to passive smoking. Multiple major reviews of evidence have concluded that environmental tobacco smoke is a known human carcinogen and that exposure to passive smoke causes adverse effects like SIDS, congenital birth defects, lead poisoning, and lung cancer. Regrettably, reductions in exposure have been slower among small children than among adults, as growing workplace restriction protects the majority of adults while the homes remain the most important source of exposure for children. The relationship between passive smoking exposure and potential health hazards to all ages of population were researched. We analyzed and systematically reviewed information from multiple literature sources. We found that everyone from the fetus to the elderly is significantly affected by passive smoking. Like firsthand smoking, secondhand smoking is also hazardous. Health education and regulations regarding secondhand smoking in both the office and home area can improve public health. This paper indicates a critical need for second hand smoke reduction interventions especially among vulnerable populations.