In India’s smaller towns and cities where people often live and work in close quarters, the danger of passive smoking is often underestimated. However, health experts are now raising an alarm, saying that passive smoking or breathing in other people’s smoke can be just as deadly as smoking itself. In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. AkshayBudhraja, Senior Consultant & HOD, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Aakash Healthcare explained whether passive smoking is as dangerous as smoking.
Why Passive Smoking Is As Harmful As Smoking?
We are now seeing a rising number of lung cancer cases among people who have never smoked a single cigarette. One major reason is passive smoking, at home, in public spaces or even at work. People often think that if they’re not smoking, they are safe. But if you are constantly breathing in secondhand smoke, be it from a family member at home or from a smoker in public, you are still at serious risk.
In small towns and cities where homes are smaller and ventilation poor, the risks are even higher. Children and women, especiall are affected as they are more likely to be exposed to smoke indoors. Doctors say exposure during childhood can have long-term consequences, increasing the risk of developing lung cancer later in life.
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Second hand smoke contains harmful chemicals like cadmium and chromium. These are known to cause cancer. Even non-smokers in smoking booths at airports or malls are exposed to concentrated smoke, which is extremely dangerous. He also pointed out that passive smoking often goes unnoticed, making it more dangerous than active smoking in some cases.
However, doctors stressed the need for smoke-free homes and workplaces. Creating awareness is key. No one should have to breathe someone else’s smoke. A Lancet study also showed that Indians are being diagnosed with lung cancer a decade earlier than people in the West, often in their 50s. This early onset is being linked to environmental exposure including passive smoke and air pollution.
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With lung cancer continuing to be one of the deadliest cancers in India, doctors urge people to take simple steps: avoid smoking around others, insist on smoke-free public places, and seek regular health checkups if exposed. After all, not smoking is no longer enough. It is equally important to stay away from smoke.