4.8 Effects of secondhand smoke on the respiratory system in adults
Show / hide chapter menu
Secondhand smoke affects the respiratory system of non-smokers through mechanisms similar to those by which tobacco smoke affects the airways and lungs of active smokers, except that since the levels of exposure are lower, the effects of secondhand smoke tend to be less severe.20
Eye, nasal and throat irritation are commonly experienced by non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.20 A range of chronic and acute respiratory symptoms in non-smokers are also strongly associated with exposure to secondhand smoke, such as cough, phlegm and sputum production, wheezing and shortness of breath, particularly in asthmatics.20 Secondhand smoke may also be responsible for causing the onset of asthma in adulthood, and also for making the management of asthma more difficult.20 Adults exposed to secondhand smoke report a higher incidence of chest illness, and are more likely to miss work.16 Adults exposed to secondhand smoke also have a higher likelihood of snoring,51 and are at greater risk of experiencing respiratory complications during surgery involving anaesthesia.52
Adults who have been exposed to secondhand smoke since childhood may suffer cumulative damage including changes in lung structure and function and chronic airflow limitation.16 Secondhand smoke may also exacerbate symptoms or progression of disease among adults with a co-existing poor lung function,16 or lung disease such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.19
Research suggests that exposure to secondhand smoke causes an elevated risk of developing of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is marked by permanent and progressive damage to the airways and airway sacs of the lung.20 COPD results in reduced lung function.
Copyright © 2010 The Cancer Council. All rights reserved.