Every time a person smokes, poisons such as benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide are released into the
air. This means that not only is the smoker inhaling them but so are the people around him. Americans are
beginning to realize how dangerous smoking is to the health of smoker's and nonsmoker's as well. In our society,
exposing nonsmokers to cigarette smoke is becoming less and less acceptable.
Every time someone lights a cigarette smoke enters the air from two sources. The first is called mainstream
smoke. This the smoker brings through the mouth piece when he or she puffs or inhales. After the smoker exhales
nonsmokers are also exposed to mainstream smoke. The second, which is even more dangerous, is called
side-stream smoke. This goes right into the air from the burning tobacco. Side-stream smoke, which is inhaled by
anyone who is around a person that is smoking, actually has a higher concentration of some harmful compounds
than the mainstream smoke inhaled by the smoker. There is more of tar, nicotine, and more of several cancer
causing agents in side-stream smoke compared to mainstream smoke. Furthermore, carbon monoxide, which
deprives the blood of oxygen, can be two to fifteen times higher in side-stream smoke.
