Secondhand Smoke: Symptoms, Health Risks & Effects on Adults & Children

Symptoms of secondhand smoke in adults may include:

- Respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing

- Cardiovascular problems, such as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke

- Cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and childhood leukemia

- Ear infections, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in children

Some of the immediate effects of secondhand smoke on the body may include:

- Increased heart rate

- Increased blood pressure

- Reduced lung function

- Eye irritation

- Headaches

- Nausea and vomiting

- Dizziness

Secondhand smoke can also cause long-term damage to the body, such as:

- Heart disease

- Stroke

- Cancer

- Lung disease

- Ear infections

- Asthma

- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

People who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of developing the same health problems as smokers, even if they themselves do not smoke.