In Ho Chi Minh City, second-hand smoke remains a nuisance in public places as it continually irritates many non-smokers.

N.T.D., a 40-year-old resident of Binh Thanh District, said that she does not use tobacco, but is exposed to second-hand smoke constantly. 

As soon as she steps out of her house, she unavoidably suffers second-hand smoke from a street coffee shop where patrons smoke tobacco in front of her residence.

She lamented that the exposure continues to other motorcyclists whenever she stops at intersections for red lights.

Many other non-smokers are facing the same exposure as her in public places.

Second-hand smoke is bothering non-smokers in both indoor and outdoor places, posing a high risk of smoke-related diseases.

Dr. Ho Quoc Khai, deputy head of the Respiratory Department at Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital, defined second-hand smoke as unwanted smoke that people breathe in from cigarettes from those around them.

The smoke generated by a cigarette falls into four categories.

The first wisp of smoke from a burning cigarette tip is thick smoke which is the most toxic stream as the tobacco is not completely burned.

The second stream of smoke is produced when smokers inhale into their lungs. This smoke only affects the smoker, but it is the least harmful because the inhalation process helps burn the tobacco almost completely, producing carbon dioxide and water vapor.

The third stream of smoke is exhaled by smokers. This smoke can carry germs if smokers have infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, or flu.

The fourth type of smoke is known as residual smoke. This refers to the smoke left behind after a cigarette has been extinguished, whether in an ashtray or on the ground.

Despite the cigarette being finished, this smoke continues to linger in the air, posing health risks. It stays in the environment the longest and can penetrate deeply into the lungs.

“The fourth stream of smoke can cling to hair, clothes, and other belongings around a smoker. For example, though we do not smoke, the smoke can cling to us, exposing our children and family members at home to second-hand smoke,” said Dr. Khai. 

He stated that people exposed to second-hand smoke suffer the same toxic substances and effects as smokers since the smoke contains over 6,000 harmful chemicals and at least 69 carcinogens.

People exposed to second-hand smoke are at increased risk of serious diseases such as respiratory tract infection, tuberculosis, cardiovascular disease, and ear disease, among others.

In addition, second-hand smoke causes highly negative effects on pregnant women’s health.

It is vital to apply drastic measures to prevent second-hand smoke and protect public health, according to the doctor.

These solutions include establishing smoke-free zones, banning smoking at homes and in cars, and encouraging family members to quit smoking.

Residents can also share information about the impact of smoking with their friends, relatives, and co-workers, while actively join anti-smoking programs as a way to fight back and safeguard public health.

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