Link Found Between Passive Smoking and Mental Health Problems

Most people now accept that second hand smoke can be seriously damaging to physical health. What they may not realize but there may also be a link between passive smoking and mental health problems. Research does seem to support the idea that there are mental health concerns for those sharing the air of smokers.

What is the Link between Passive Smoking and Mental Health Problems?

The theory is that second hand smoke might lead to a negative mood. This follows research that links smoking to depression and other mental illness. One study using data from the Scottish Health Survey found that heavy smokers were 50% more likely to report symptoms of psychological distress. The same research indicated that those who had to deal with heavy passive smoking were also more likely to report symptoms of psychological distress. Animal studies have also provided evidence that being around tobacco smoke can cause negative moods to arise in these animals. More research is needed but the evidence is very suggestive of a link between passive smoking and mental health problems.

In many countries around the world there has been a crackdown on the places where people are allowed to smoke in public; this has been due to fears in regards to passive smoking. Many individuals continue to smoke at home though and may be putting not only the physical but also the mental health of those around them at risk.

Passive Smoking and Mental Health Problems in Children

Children may be at greater risk of the dangers of passive smoking including the mental health risks. Studies have shown that children in homes where both parents smoke are at a 72% greater risk of developing respiratory problems. An adult always has the choice of walking away from a smoker but young children often don't have this choice. Further studies will need to be conducted to see if there is a link between childhood exposure to tobacco smoke and mental health problems.

Conclusions about the Link between Passive Smoking and Mental Health Problems

There does seem to be enough evidence to support concerns about mental health and passive smoking. These days it is less socially acceptable for smokers to practice their habit around non-smokers, but more probably needs to be done to educate people about the dangers of smoking around children.

Sources

BBC News article - Q&A; Passive Smoking (accessed 8^th June 2010)

The Times of India article - Passive Smoking Leads to Poor Mental Health (accessed 8^th June 2010)