How Significant Are the Hazards of Secondhand Smoke?
Secondhand smoke can cause severe damage to the lungs, producing intense irritation that leads to dyspnea, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Frequent exposure to secondhand smoke can also have serious effects on the stomach, leading to abnormal blood supply and potentially causing gastric bleeding. Additionally, secondhand smoke can increase the risk of developing bronchitis.
1. Excessive exposure to secondhand smoke is extremely harmful to the lungs because cigarettes contain harmful substances such as nicotine. When inhaled, these substances can irritate lung cells, potentially leading to cellular changes or even cancer over time.
2. Secondhand smoke also strongly irritates the stomach lining and blood vessels, causing abnormal blood supply and potentially stimulating the nervous system to produce excessive gastric acid.
3. Secondhand smoke can also significantly damage the liver, increasing its workload. In severe cases, it can affect the liver's normal function, disrupting fat metabolism and increasing the risk of harmful cholesterol accumulation.
4. Inhaling secondhand smoke strongly irritates the epithelial cells of the bronchial tubes, leading to shortened or irregularly moving cilia. This reduces resistance to external pathogens, making it easier to contract bronchitis.
5. Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke can also have a significant impact on fertility. It can affect the activity of male sperm, reducing its motility and increasing the likelihood of abnormal sperm. Additionally, the effects of secondhand smoke on the nervous system can lead to decreased libido and sexual dysfunction, further affecting fertility.