Smoking and Others (Passive Smoking)

How does smoking affect other people?

• Children and babies who live in a home where there is a smoker:
  • Are more prone to asthma and ear, nose and chest infections. About 17,000 children under five years old in England and Wales are admitted to hospital each year due to illnesses caused by their parents smoking.
  • Have an increased risk of dying from cot death (sudden infant death syndrome).
  • Are more likely than average to become smokers themselves when older.
  • On average, do less well at reading and reasoning skills compared to children in smoke-free homes, even at low levels of smoke exposure.
  • Are at increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer as adults.
• Passive smoking of adults. You have an increased risk of lung cancer and heart disease if you are exposed to other people smoking for long periods of time. For example, the risk of developing lung cancer is increased by about 20-30% in people who are regularly exposed to other peoples cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke is also an irritant, and can make asthma and other conditions worse.
• Unborn babies. Smoking when you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. See separate leaflet called 'Smoking - and Pregnancy' for details.

Some statistics

The overall health impact of passive smoking is large. Although the health risks for the individual from passive smoking are small in comparison with the health risks from active smoking, the public health consequences of passive smoking are high due to the large numbers of people exposed. Passive smoking by people living with smokers in the UK is estimated to cause around 2,700 deaths per year in people aged 20-64, and a further 8,000 deaths per year among people aged 65 or older.

How can I stop smoking?

About 2 in 3 smokers want to stop smoking. Some people can give up easily. Willpower and determination are the most important aspects when giving up smoking. However, nicotine is a drug of addiction and many people find giving up a struggle. Help is available.

• GPs, practice nurses, or pharmacists can provide information, encouragement, and tips on stopping smoking. Also, throughout the country there are specialist NHS 'Stop Smoking Clinics' which have a good success in helping people to stop smoking. Your doctor may refer you to one if you are keen to stop smoking.
• Various medicines can increase your chance of quitting. These include Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) which comes as gums, sprays, patches, tablets, lozenges, and inhalers. You can buy NRT without a prescription. Also, medicines called bupropion (trade name 'Zyban') and varenicline (trade name 'Champix) can help. These are available on prescription. See separate leaflets called 'Smoking - Nicotine Replacement Therapy', 'Smoking - Helping to Stop with Bupropion' and 'Smoking - Helping to Stop with Varenicline'.

Further help and information

Quit - a charity that helps people to stop smoking.
Quitline: 0800 00 22 00 Web: www.quit.org.uk

Smokefree - information from the NHS
Free smoking helpline 0800 022 4 332 Web: www.smokefree.nhs.uk
For help and advice on stopping smoking, and for details of your local NHS Stop Smoking Service.