Tobacco smokers are everywhere.
You see them at bars, restaurants and on your way to class as you walk behind them on the Concourse.
While it is common knowledge that these people are subjecting themselves to harmful toxins and additives, it’s the effects of secondhand smoke that nonsmokers should be concerned about.
In a study by lungusa.org, secondhand smoke was discovered to cause approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 46,000 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States each year.
The aforementioned statistics may come to some as a surprise, but to many physicians, the death toll is a very real problem.
A common myth associated with secondhand smoke is that in order for someone’s health to be jeopardized, they must be subjected to the smoke for long periods of time.
According to Dr. Fred Kam of the AU Medical Clinic, that myth is just that, a myth.
“There is no amount of secondhand smoke that is risk free,” Kam said. “Obviously, the concentration and duration of exposure carries a higher risk of respiratory problems, heart and lung disease. All secondhand smoke has over 250 chemicals in it, some of which are carcinogenic.”
Caitlin Williams, a freshman in psychology, said she tries to avoid secondhand smoke when possible.
“With all of the new smoking laws, it is a lot easier to avoid areas where people smoke,” Williams said. “But sometimes when you’re out at bars or walking around campus, you can’t help accidentally breathing (smoke) in.”
The problem, Williams said, is that the smoking laws passed to keep smokers out of public areas are not strictly enforced.
“I have classes every morning at 8 and sure enough, there are always people smoking on the steps of Haley,” Williams said.
“The worst part is when they blow the smoke in your face as you’re walking inside, and you have to go to class smelling like an ashtray.”
Eric Salvador, a GTA in sociology, said secondhand smoke is not a big issue for him yet.
However, he did say he would be upset with tobacco companies if he becomes ill from the smoke in the future.
“(Secondhand smoke) doesn’t bother me right now,” Salvador said. “But if I develop lung cancer 20 years down the road, I will be pretty pissed off at Phillip Morris.”
Salvador said the biggest problem he has with secondhand smoke is the unwanted odor.
“Basically, if I wanted to smell like a NASCAR event, I would go to a NASCAR event.”