Second-Hand Smoke
What is ETS?
- Mainstream Smoke which is inhaled by the smoker through the filter tip of the cigarette, and then exhaled.
- Sidestream Smoke from the burning tip of the cigarette which goes straight into the air that we breathe.
Why is ETS dangerous?
- Eye, nose and throat irritations.
- Respiratory tract infections, with worsening of pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma, and emphysema.
- Heart disease and cancers.
How are children affected by ETS?
- More coughs and cold.
- Higher chance of irritation of the eyes and nose.
- Reduced lung growth and function.
- Increased susceptibility to coughs, wheezing and asthma. Children who have never had asthma before are more likely to develop it if one of their parents smokes. Continued exposure to ETS can cause asthma attacks to be more severe and occur more often.
- Higher risk of suffering ear and chest infections. Younger children who are especially sensitive to cigarette smoke are more likely to develop lung diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Children are more likely to miss school and are less likely to do well in studies as a result of falling sick more often.
- Or infants - increased risk of sudden death.
Risks during pregnancy
More likely to pick up smoking
Third-hand smoke - additional danger after secondhand smoke
An additional danger remains even after a cigarette has been stubbed out. Third-hand smoke refers to cigarette residual particles that remain in the environment after a cigarette is extinguished. These particles linger on a smoker's hair, clothing, household fabrics such as carpets, curtains, rugs and surfaces like floors and windows.
Young children and infants are especially susceptible to these toxins as they crawl on, play on, touch and inhale particles from these contaminated surfaces. This shows that the adverse impact of lighting a cigarette goes a long way.
Smoking has many harmful effects on health and ETS is one of them. Not lighting up a cigarette marks the beginning of a healthier lifestyle for you and people around you. Breathe in the fresh air by going smoke free today!
Resources for Quitting Smoking
Join the I Quit Programme and remain smoke free for 28 days and you are 5 times more likely to quit smoking. You can nominate your loved ones as a supporter when you sign up for the programme. Validate your smoke-free status and redeem a HPB eVoucher* worth $50 at the 28th day milestone. Keep going and you'll also receive eVouchers* worth $30 and $20 at the 3rd month and 6th month milestone respectively!
*Terms and conditions apply.
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Contributed By
- Health Promotion Board