Second Hand Smoke

Electronic cigarettes produce absolutely no – none - zero second hand smoke.  This is an extremely important point that cannot be emphasized enough.  The adverse health impacts of second hand smoke from normal tobacco cigarettes cannot be overlooked or denied.  They are both overwhelming and scary.

Approximately 46,000 deaths from heart disease in non-smokers living with smokers occur annually.  Annual lung cancer deaths in non-smokers total 3,400.    There are even reports that second hand smoke is being linked to being a cause of breast cancer and breast cancer deaths.

Deaths directly attributable to second hand smoke are just the tip of the iceberg concerning possible adverse health effects from being exposed to second hand smoke.  It has been estimated that 50,000 to 300,000 lung infections in children under 18 months develop annually.  Second hand smoke contributes to the exacerbation of asthma which affects approximately 200,000 to 1 million children.  Finally, second hand smoke has been linked to 750,000 middle ear infections in children each year.

Second hand smoke from normal tobacco burning cigarettes originates from the smoking end of a burning cigarette.  Measurements show that there are even higher concentrations of carcinogens in the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette than the smoke that is actually inhaled by a smoker.  The measurements suggest that a non-smoker can be harmed as much or more than a smoker from ingesting cigarette smoke. 

Second hand smoke presents other problems than direct health effects.  Second hand smoke smells bad and is unpleasant to be around – especially if you do not smoke at all.  The smell that accrues on one’s clothes and skin is another unwanted consequence.  These may seem minor inconveniences to smokers, but they are issues that need to be addressed.

Electronic cigarettes are fantastic alternatives to smoking because they do not produce smell.  Friends and strangers alike can rest easier around you and know that you are not bringing harmful chemicals into their surrounds to be ingested into their bodies.  Everyone will appreciate cleaner air.  Not having to deal with unpleasant odors is always good for everyone concerned. 

One thing that users of electronic cigarettes will have to become adept at doing is explaining the difference between electronic cigarettes and regular tobacco cigarettes.  To the uninitiated, both cigarettes look basically the same.  Harmless vapor may, at first glance, be mistaken for harmful smoke.  Those around you may have to be enlightened that you are not actually smoking in their presence.

Eliminating smoke will be much healthier for both the users of electronic cigarettes and those around them.  It should be noted that some nicotine may be introduced into the atmosphere from the vapor created by electronic cigarettes.  Nicotine is a much less harmful chemical than others found in smoke, but it still remains a chemical.  As such, nicotine can be ingested by non-users as well.  Becoming aware of this fact will allow you to use electronic cigarettes wisely and courteously.  You can “smoke” in more places, but always be aware of your surroundings.