Saturday 19 May 2012

Secondhand Smoke

What is second hand smoke????

Second hand smoke is combination of side-stream cigarette smoke from lighted tips and mainstream cigarette smoke exhaled by smokers.


Who are passive smokers???
Those who do not smoke but are exposed to cigarette smoke at least 15 minutes for two days in a week (WHO).
Passive smokers run the risk of:
·  30% increased chances of contracting lung cancer
·        25% increased chances of contracting heart diseases







PASSIVE SMOKERS FACE A HIGH RISK OF EXPOSURE TO VARIOUS DISEASES
Women
Ø Wives of smokers have a 30% higher risk of contracting lung cancer
Ø More exposed to cancer
Ø Lower fertility
Ø Early menopause
Ø Death and miscarriage of baby during pregnancy
Ø Birth of underweight and premature baby


Children
§  Susceptible to asthma
§  Risk of lung infection
§  Growth of lungs affected


Friends
v Experience effects such as cough, sore eyes, nausea and headaches
v If heart patients, susceptible to heart attacks whereas asthmatic patients will be prone to severe asthma attacks





YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!!!


 If you are a smoker,
·        
     Take steps to stop smoking because it has negative effects on family, friends and loves ones.
·        
     Ensure you do not smoke in no-smoking areas. If found guilty, you can be fined up to RM 10, 000 or imprisoned for up to two years.
·        
     If you want to stop smoking, get help from the nearest quit smoking clinic. Call Infoline Berhenti Merokok at 03-88834400 or Quit Smoking Clinic in Pusat Sejahtera USM at 04-6562280/04-6533682


     Check out this link for further information on the effects of secondhand smoke: American Cancer Society




If you are a non-smoker,
·       
     Advise smokers not to smoke around you!!!
  
            Voice out your right to be free from cigarette smoke!!!





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