[The influence of passive smoking on the respiratory tract]

Abstract

The harmful effects of passive smoking are well known and proved. A cause-and-effect relationship between involuntary inhalation of cigarette smoke and increased number of various respiratory diseases either in children or in adults is now clearly established. Many publications indicate that the respiratory consequences of passive smoking in humans may include nonmalignant disease in addition to lung cancer. It has been observed that children exposed to cigarette smoke have more frequently asthma and other wheezing diseases. An influence of the passive smoking on the pulmonary function tests has been also widely examined. A functional disorders especially of bronchioles have been detected. Since adverse effects of passive smoking on human health are proved there is a necessity to enable life in the environment free from cigarette smoke.