Question
Can excessive exposure to secondhand smoke lead to fetal abnormalities?
Answer
Medical research indicates that secondhand smoke contains a large number of harmful substances, including carbon monoxide, nicotine, irritating substances, and carcinogens. These substances may reduce the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen, promote platelet aggregation, increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and cause irritation and damage to the respiratory system. Moreover, some harmful substances in secondhand smoke have even higher concentrations than mainstream smoke, such as carbon monoxide being 5 times higher, tar and nicotine being 3 times higher, ammonia being 46 times higher, and nitrosamines being 50 times higher. Long-term exposure to a secondhand smoke environment may lead to health problems similar to those of smokers, such as lung cancer, respiratory system diseases, and preterm birth. Therefore, to avoid the health effects of secondhand smoke on both the fetus and oneself, it is advisable to minimize exposure to secondhand smoke environments.