Can one become addicted to second hand smoke? Both my parents smoke and when I was away from them and most general smokers for 7 months I got really bad headaches the first few months I was there, that eased if I went out back to the 'smokers patio'.
2006-09-24 15:48:13 · 7 answers · asked by izzy5_rose 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I myself don't smoke
2006-09-24 15:53:54 · update #1
I think your observation may just be a spurious correlation. This means that even though two things seem to be caused by one another since they've been observed to occur (and to use your case as an example) headaches can actually be caused by a number of other factors that haven't been observed to coincide but are just as likely.
Second hand smoke is harmful when one is exposed to it in a CLOSED AND CONTAINED area for a period of time. People have taken the notion that 'second hand smoke kills' way too far. Breathing in second hand smoke from a occasional passing pedestrian is wayyy less harmful than walking around in any city with congested traffic. Really.
2006-09-24 15:58:17 · answer #1 · answered by K 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I suppose its possible, but I also believe smoking is more mentally addicting than people care to admit. They expect to get addicted and so they do. My parents each smoked a pack a day in the house my entire life and when I moved out, I experienced no problem. I have never taken even a drag.
2006-09-24 22:53:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know much in the way of actual chemical addictions, but it sounds to me like yours may be more of a psychological one. you grew up in a household of smokers, so in essence, it's "normal" for you... it's routine. being away from that can cause a withdrawal similar to actual chemical dependency.
although, i suppose a chemical dependency is possible in this case too. certain chemicals and toxins are found in second-hand smoke that have been found to be addictive in nature.
so, if i had to pick, i'd say-- yes, it's possible, both psychologically and chemically to be dependent on second-hand smoke.
2006-09-24 22:51:38 · answer #3 · answered by brooke44 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't sound likely. Was there something else, or someone, at the patio that you were attracted to? Perhaps the stress of being away from home was causing your headaches! Maybe it was something environmental. I get headaches from certain smells of cleaners or perfumes etc.
2006-09-24 22:56:54 · answer #4 · answered by rebecca_sld 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of that but it is possible because you are taking smoke into your lungs as well. You may wanna head this off before you pick up a ciggie yourself...talk to your doctor about this..
2006-09-24 22:53:06 · answer #5 · answered by tigerlily_catmom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you were just getting used to clean air...or if you were in a different climate that woulda done it too, but no you can't be addicted to second hand smoke
2006-09-24 22:51:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is this the best excuse you can come up with to smoke? Don't bother about having an excuse. just go ahead and smoke for a while ad depart this earth with cancer. The choice is yours.
2006-09-24 22:51:32 · answer #7 · answered by MS Williams 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋