Second hand tobacco smoke: Composition, exposure and potential health hazards

Abstract

Second hand smoke (SHS) is a common indoor pollutant which is produced by the practice of tobacco smoking. The SHS contains many toxic chemicals and exposure to these chemicals has a wide range of serious health effect on both those who smoke and those who do not. Children are particularly at the risk of serious health effects from second hand smoke. The present paper focuses on the exposure and chemical composition of SHS. The paper also spotlights the various other health hazards posed to an individual because of the exposure to SHS.