Effects Of Passive Smoking On Children's Health: Vietnam Case Study

Abstract

Passive smoking is more dangerous than active smoking. Passive smoking has 3 to 4 times more toxins per gram of particulate matter than in the primary stream, and the toxicity in the secondary stream is higher than the total toxicity of the components. Secondhand smoke exists in all public areas where smoking is not prohibited, and where there is no safe level of exposure. Smoking is especially dangerous for children and babies. In 2010, the World Health Organization estimated that around 700 million children, nearly half of all children worldwide, were breathing in air polluted by secondhand smoke, especially in indoor areas, and nearly 170,000 children worldwide. Children die from tobacco-related diseases each year. By practical surveys combined with reports of the world and domestic health organizations, this study clearly shows the harmful level of secondhand smoke for children; then recommends solutions to limit this dangerous action.