Everything you need to know about passive smoking

Passive smoking is a common problem that affects people who do not smoke themselves. If you smoke, it is therefore a good idea to know how your smoking affects others. Here we go through that – and much more.

What is passive smoking?

Passive smoking means inhaling tobacco smoke from other people who smoke, even if you are not holding a cigarette yourself. The smoke comes partly from the smoker when they exhale, and partly from the ember of the cigarette, which burns continuously. When you are exposed to passive smoking, you inhale many of the same harmful substances that smokers inhale.

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Discover a better alternative by heating tobacco instead of burning it.

No smell of smoke

Heats tobacco & nicotine without burning it

No second-hand smoke and no ash

With IQOS there is no fire and therefore no smoke or ash follows - and no cleaning required, ever, with our latest ILUMA series!

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Consequences of passive smoking

Research has shown that passive smoking can affect the body in several different ways. Inhaling tobacco smoke in the environment can irritate the airways and cause coughing, burning eyes, and breathing difficulties. Long-term exposure has been linked in studies to an increased risk of respiratory diseases, asthma, and cardiovascular problems. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at a particular risk of developing respiratory infections, ear infections, and impaired lung function.

Is secondhand smoke more dangerous than regular smoking?

No, secondhand smoke is generally no more dangerous than regular smoking. However, passive smoking can be dangerous because you cannot control it yourself.

Rules for passive smoking outdoors and indoors

The Swedish Tobacco Act regulates smoking in public places, public premises, and workplaces to reduce exposure to passive smoking. Since 2005, smoking has been prohibited in restaurants, bars, and cafes indoors. In 2019, the rules were further tightened when the ban was extended to multiple outdoor environments such as outdoor dining areas, playgrounds, entrances to premises, train platforms, and bus stops. The aim is to protect people from involuntary exposure in everyday situations and to promote a healthier environment.

The Work Environment Act also stipulates that employees should not be exposed to passive smoking in their workplace. This means that employers have a responsibility to ensure that smoking does not take place in premises or areas where staff are present.

What distance is required to avoid passive smoking?

Unfortunately, there is no exact distance that completely protects against passive smoking. Tobacco smoke spreads quickly in the air and can remain in the environment even after the person has stopped smoking. The amount of smoke you are exposed to depends on several factors, including:

• Wind and air flow – outdoors, smoke dissipates more quickly when it is windy, while it can linger longer in still air.
• Ventilation – in enclosed spaces, such as cars, stairwells, or rooms with poor ventilation, smoke can become concentrated even if the smoker is at a distance.
• Duration – the longer you stay near someone who is smoking, the greater your exposure.

The Public Health Agency of Sweden therefore emphasizes that the most effective way to avoid passive smoking is to completely avoid smoke-filled environments. There is no “safe” distance limit, as even small amounts of smoke in the air can contain particles and chemical substances.

A practical tip is to keep as much distance as possible when you are around someone who is smoking, and to avoid indoor environments where people smoke.

What should you consider when smoking?

For those who smoke, there are several ways to be considerate of others and reduce the risk of passive smoking in the surrounding area. One piece of advice is to avoid smoking in enclosed spaces, such as homes or cars, especially if children or other non-smokers are present. It is also important to respect smoking bans in public places to reduce exposure to others. In places where smoking is permitted, consider keeping a distance from other people, especially children, the elderly, and people with asthma or other respiratory problems.

Passive smoking has decreased

Through legislation, information, and social norms, exposure to secondhand smoke in Sweden has decreased significantly in recent decades. Studies show that the proportion of children exposed to tobacco smoke in the home has fallen markedly, which is seen as a positive development. At the same time, work is still ongoing to reduce exposure in various contexts, and the debate on further restrictions recurs regularly.