Second-hand smoke

Second-hand smoke refers to smoke that is breathed out by smokers (mainstream smoke) and the smoke that wafts from a lit cigarette (sidestream smoke). Two-thirds of the smoke from a cigarette is not inhaled by the person smoking the cigarette.

It is estimated that exposure to second-hand smoke causes the deaths of around 350 New Zealanders every year.

Second-hand smoke can increase the risk of developing or worsening some diseases, including lung cancer, emphysema, asthma, heart disease, cystic fibrosis and other cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.

Children are particularly at risk from harm caused by second-hand smoke because their lungs are smaller and more delicate. Children who are often exposed to second-hand smoke are more susceptible to coughs and colds, and need to stay home from school more often. They are also more likely to need hospital care for ailments and illness. Also, second hand smoke affects behavioural development, reducing language skills, attention spans and academic achievement in children.

Young people exposed to second-hand smoke are seven times more likely to smoke in later life.

Cigarettes: A nasty cocktail of chemicals
Cigarettes are not simply made up of dried tobacco leaf wrapped in paper. There are over 4000 chemicals contained in tobacco smoke, including 40 known cancer-causing substances. Some chemicals found in tobacco include:

• tar, which includes nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. This is the sticky brown substance that stains fingers and teeth
• carbon monoxide, which is also found in car exhaust. When combined with nicotine it can cause heart disease
• hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous substance
• acetone, which is also used as a nail polish remover
• cadmium, used in batteries
• ammonia, a common toilet cleaner
• DDT, an insecticide that is banned from use in New Zealand
• toluene, an industrial solvent.