Study Confirms Passive Smoking a Health Hazard
A new international study shows that people exposed to passive smoking experience significant respiratory problems, the Lancet reported in its Dec. 22 issue.
The study, conducted by researchers in Sweden and colleagues in 13 European countries, Australia and New Zealand, examined 7,882 adults who never smoked but had lung problems.
The researchers found that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke was linked to nocturnal chest tightness, nocturnal breathlessness, breathlessness after activity, and increased bronchial responsiveness.
The study also showed that participants who had asthma were more likely to have been exposed to passive smoking than those who don't have asthma.
Based on their findings, the researchers suggested that reducing smoking in public places would have a significant impact on the respiratory health of the general population.
