World No Tobacco Day 2021: What are the dangers caused by passive smoking?

New Delhi, May 31: World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31. According to WHO, more than 8 million people die every year due to tobacco use. Hence, Anti-Tobacco Day or World No Tobacco Day is an annual event introduced by WHO to emphasize the devastating, deadly effects of tobacco consumption.

The direct tobacco use and second-hand exposure to it, lead to deterioration of acute lower respiratory tract infections and "big five" respiratory diseases comprising asthma, lung cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. What is worth paying attention to is, we must not take passive smoking lightly.

Not only does the fatal risks apply to first-hand smokers (tobacco users), the harm is equally adverse for passive smokers. Passive smoking, also known as second-hand smoking just as active smoking could heavily prove hazardous to health.

What are the dangers of SHS in children?

a. Passive smoking, also known as SHS enhances the chances of respiratory illnesses in children. Akid spending the first 18 months of its life in a household of active tobacco consumption, develops risks of acute respiratory disorder syndrome, along with being prone to cold, cough, wheeze, breathlessness, asthma attacks, glue ear, lower immunity.

b. Kids subjected to passive smoking do not have their lungs grow to full potential.

c. There is greater risk of meningococcal disease.

d. It causes sudden unexpected death in infants and fatal sleep accidents.