What are the health risks of living with a smoker?

Question

For the time being, I have been living with my parents while I finish school. In the last year or so my brother has moved back home, thrill =( sigh . Anyhow he is a smoker, he smokes camels, he smokes outside. When he comes in the house he has that #%^#*# smell on his clothes. On top of that he smokes in the garage sometimes. So when you walk through the garage you are forced to inhale that STINCH!!!. Lately when I wake up in the morning my throat and my sinuses are all out of whack and my nose runs like crazy. I have mentioned this to my mom but she just says oh but he smokes outside and there is no way it could be affecting you. I feel she is wrong. I am already in the process of looking for an apartment. But in the meantime can his smoking affect my sinuses even though he smokes outside?

Answer 1

There is a wide array of health risks attributed, in whole or in part, to frequent, long term exposure to second hand smoke. Some of the symptoms which have been or are frequently attributed to second hand smoke include:

* Increased risk of lung cancer
* Increased risk of cancer
* Increased risk of heart disease
* Increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects
* Increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
* Increased risk of developing asthma, both for children and adults
* Increased risk of allergies and death of children
* Worsening of asthma, allergies, and other conditions

Tobacco smoke is an allergen, and allergy sufferers can experience stuffy or runny noses, watery or burning eyes, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, a feeling of suffocation, and other typical allergy symptoms within minutes of exposure. Some people with no known allergies and without asthma may cough in smoke-filled rooms, get headaches, feel nauseated, feel sleepy, and experience other ill effects, when they would not normally exhibit these symptoms without the presence of smoke.

Given all the symptoms you're having, it would be safe to assume that the smoke is causing it. Despite your brother smoking outside, I'm sure it has a way of seeping in during the time he walks in and out of the house. My house is smoke free so smokers have to smoke outside when they are visiting, and everytime they come back into the house again, it takes a while before the smoke smell dissappates so I'm certain some of the smoke gets indoors too.

Move out if you can. Many of these short-term effects terminate after the exposure ends. Repeated exposure, however, is believed to cause more serious long-term effects. Good luck!

Answer 2

Thats a really good question! Well I lived with my father all my life who is a very heavy smoker. When my parents split up I moved in with my mom and she doesnt smoke so I was used to living smoke free. Last year me and my boyfriend moved in with one of his friends. They both smoke and I told them to be fair to me to smoke outside. They refused and smoke inside but not upstairs only downstairs. Either way I smell the smoke everyday! It sucks!

It has affected me two ways: I got 2 sinus infections within the first 6 months of living here. And secondly I get headaches and my clothes all smell like smoke.

You- on the other hand are much more lucky. He doesnt smoke inside the house so while it may effect you a little bit it does not have as much of an impact as if he smoked in the house. But yes, to answer your question smoke DOES affect sinuses and the worst part? It can lead to cancer in the long run. Second hand smoke is so bad for you.

Get that apartment and move out chick!

I am going to try to get them to smoke outside as soon as the summer rolls in!

Answer 3

If he is in fact smoking outside then that isn't your problem. Due to the weather I'd say its more likely caused from the furnace and it being so dry in the house. You need a humidifier in your room. Also if there are any pets you may be allergic. If the garage is attached to the house it may drift back in but doubtful. Yes the smell of smoke on clothins reeks! and that could be setting off an allergic reaction. Some people are sensitive to scents like perfumes etc. There are health related problems living with a smoker the same problems as being a smoker, but if he is smoking outside and not sneaking it in his room then I'd say your safe.

Answer 4

There was a lady who worked in a bar or restaurant who became the face of the adverse effects of second hand smoke, because she died of it although she never smoked in her life. Health Canada used her example to deter people
from smoking.

Answer 5

The health risks of a passive smoker are the same or more than the active smoker. And worse, if ever you intend to have a baby, it affects the health of the featus big time.

Answer 6

Second hand smoke is dangerous and it sticks to furniture and carpets. It also leaves brown stains on your walls and pictures.Being around anyone who smokes no matter the enclosed place is still dangerous.leave.

Answer 7

Second hand some is bad even if it is outside. It gives me a headache so I don't doubt it caused you problems too.

Answer 8

second hand smoke,careless smoking in bed causes a fire.