Second hand smoke.

What is second hand smoke?

Second hand smoke is other peoples' tobacco smoke. It is also known as passive smoking.

Second hand smoke is a major source of indoor air pollution. It can lead to heart disease and lung cancer, and makes illnesses like asthma worse.

Second hand smoke is made up of two types of smoke:

Mainstream smoke is breathed in and out by smokers and sidestream smoke comes from the end of a burning cigarette or cigar and makes up to 85% of the smoke in a smoky environment. This type of smoke contains more toxins and nicotine than mainstream smoke.

The effects of secondhand smoke include coughing, headache, eye irritation, sore throat, sneezing and running nose, feeling sick, breathing problems and irregular heartbeat.