Smoking is not just about the smoker. Tobacco smoke in the environment, breathed in by those around you, constitutes passive smoking. Its dangers are real, especially for children and pregnant women. Understanding these risks is essential to protecting those we love.
1. What is passive smoking?
Passive smoking refers to the involuntary inhalation of tobacco smoke present in the air, whether it is smoke released by the smoker or that released by cigarettes. This smoke contains the same toxic substances as that inhaled directly.
2. Very real risks
| Person exposed | Risks |
|---|---|
| Adult non-smokers | Cardiovascular diseases, respiratory |
| Children | Infections, asthma, ear infections |
| Pregnant women | Risks for the fetus |
| Infants | Increased risk of complications |
Passive smoking increases the risk of several diseases in exposed non-smokers. Children are particularly vulnerable.
3. Protect the most fragile
Children and pregnant women are the most susceptible to passive smoking. Not smoking indoors, in the car or in the presence of children greatly reduces their exposure. The ideal remains a completely smoke-free environment.
- Never smoke indoors or in cars
- Avoid smoking in the presence of children or pregnant women
- Opt for a completely smoke-free environment
4. Extra motivation to quit
Protecting those around you is often a strong motivation to quit smoking. Beyond limiting exposure, quitting eliminates passive smoking and provides a valuable example, particularly to children. It’s a benefit for the whole family.
Thinking about your loved ones can give additional meaning to the process of quitting. A healthcare professional can support this step.
💡 tips to remember
- Passive smoking is the involuntary inhalation of tobacco smoke, which contains the same toxic substances.
- It increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in exposed non-smokers.
- Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable.
- I protect those close to me by never smoking indoors or in the car, and by avoiding smoking near children.
- Protecting those around you is a strong motivation to quit: this eliminates passive smoking and provides a valuable example.
