Effects of Secondhand Smoke

The respiratory effects of secondhand smoke (SHS) are numerous throughout all populations. Studies show that patients are more likely to develop respiratory diseases if they grow up in a household with one or more smokers. SHS is linked to increased rates of many respiratory conditions such as Asthma, Tuberculosis (TB), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Lung Cancer, and Perioperative respiratory complications. This paper will focus on the impact of secondhand smoke on individuals, in utero to 18 years of age. However, since some conditions are not seen until later in life, adult patients will also be noted. Additionally, the issues of education, public health, smoking ban effectiveness, and the need for further research will be addressed.