Secondhand smoke more toxic than inhaled fumes

The petition has been edited to include a new source (3). Excerpts as follows:

1. A National University of Singapore study found that secondhand smoke is more toxic than the fumes inhaled by the smoker himself. The higher level of toxins can dissolve upon contact with moist tissues in the lungs or airways and, eventually, end up in the person's bloodstream. 

2. Results show that smokers who puff in enclosed areas with limited ventilation, such as at home, would inflict the most harm on others.

"Apartments and homes, being enclosed, have less ventilation and, therefore, less dispersion of polluted indoor air compared to outdoor environments," said Prof Bala.

"Moreover, indoor air tends to migrate from one room to another, for example, through air-conditioning ducts or open doors," he added.

3. Other studies have shown that secondhand smoke increases the risk of lower respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and poor asthma control among children, pointed out Dr Teoh. "There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke - both as a smoker or as a person who is passively inhaling it."