The health impacts of secondhand smoke are a growing concern for non-smokers, especially when exposure comes from neighbors in shared living environments such as apartments and duplexes. Secondhand smoke, which is a mix of smoke from the end of a burning cigarette and the smoke breathed out by smokers, has been classified as a known human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. But how much does it actually reduce your life expectancy?
A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004 estimated that secondhand smoke is responsible for approximately 600,000 premature deaths per year worldwide. This means non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke may have their lives shortened by up to two years. Another analysis published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" suggested that living with a smoker or having a smoking neighbor could increase the non-smoker's mortality risk by around 13-17% over their lifetime.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The American Lung Association indicates that children exposed to secondhand smoke are at greater risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, and more severe asthma attacks. For example, a study highlighted in "Pediatrics" found that children living in apartments where neighbors smoked experienced increased levels of nicotine in their blood, leading to respiratory problems and reduced overall health.
To mitigate the effects of secondhand smoke, some people turn to air purifiers. While air purifiers can help reduce particulates in the air, they are not a complete solution for secondhand smoke exposure. For instance, the VEWIOR Air Purifiers for Home (paid link) can filter out some airborne chemicals found in tobacco smoke, but they cannot eliminate all harmful smoke components or its odors. Thus, using a product like the VEWIOR purifier may provide some relief, but it is crucial to recognize its limitations in ensuring a smoke-free environment.