Smoking not only poses a serious threat to the smoker's own health, but can also adversely affect the surrounding population and even the next generation. This article will take a closer look at how first-hand, second-hand, and thirdhand smoke can cause damage to the body and provide some practical tips to reduce these harms.
First-hand cigarettes: damage from direct smoking
First-hand cigarettes inhaled by smokers contain thousands of chemicals, including hundreds of harmful substances and more than 60 known carcinogens. These substances damage the lungs and respiratory tract first, increasing the risk of tracheitis, emphysema, and pneumonia. Ingredients such as nicotine can also enter the stomach through food, causing blood vessels in the gastric mucosa to constrict and cause stomach ulcers. Long-term smoking can also affect vascular health, disrupt lipid metabolism, and increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In addition, smoking can reduce sleep quality, affect male fertility, accelerate sexual deterioration, and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Secondhand smoke: The invisible killer of passive smoking
Secondhand smoke refers to tobacco smoke inhaled by non-smokers, which can be even more harmful than first-hand smoke. This is because secondhand smoke has a high release rate of compounds and prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke, even in small amounts, can have serious health effects. Secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, as well as the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. For children, secondhand smoke can also cause ear infections, increase the risk of pneumonia and bronchitis, and severely affect lung development.
Thirdhand smoke: a lasting environmental hazard
Thirdhand smoke refers to the residue of tobacco smoke in the environment, including harmful substances in walls, clothing, towels, and dust. These residues contain radioactive substances, carcinogens, and heavy metals, among others, and their toxicity may increase over time. The chemicals in thirdhand smoke can also react with other compounds in the air to form new toxic substances that can cause genetic damage.
Practical advice for harm reduction
While it can be difficult to completely avoid smoking and secondhand smoke in an environment, the following measures can help reduce the effects of these hazards on the body:
- Regular ventilation: Regular ventilation should be done in office spaces or living rooms with windows open to reduce the accumulation of harmful substances.
- Indoor greenery: Placing greenery can help purify the air and absorb some harmful substances.
- Air purifiers: If conditions allow, installing an air purifier can further reduce harmful substances in the indoor air.
- Healthy diet: Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and drink 2~3 cups of green tea every day to help remove free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress.
By understanding the various dangers of smoking and taking appropriate precautions, we can better protect our health and the health of those around us. Remember, quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce these health risks.