Research Memo #2

 

I wanted to learn more about my topic and effects that it had on people. I wanted to research more and find answers to some of my research questions. I found some interesting details and information that will help support my topic and help me go further on in my project. The two sources that I have been looking at, have a lot of information that I believe I can use to support my topic of the affects of it.

 

In my first article, the surgeon general talked about how involuntary smoking takes place when nonsmokers inhale both side stream and exhaled mainstream smoke and that this "smoking" is "involuntary" when "the exposure occurs as an unavoidable consequence of breathing in a smoke-filled environment." Two studies on nicotine concentrations in nonsmokers raised concerns about nicotine as a contributing factor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in nonsmokers. Dr. C. Everett Koop, Surgeon General in 1986, stated that "the right of smokers to smoke ends where their behavior affects the health and well-being of others; furthermore, it is the smokers' responsibility to ensure that they do not expose nonsmokers to the potential harmful effects of tobacco smoke."

 

In my second article, the surgeon general talks about how the smoke is killing children and adults who do not smoke. I found this information on the American cancer society website. I chose this website because I know that it is a very reliable source and I can understand the information. One of the interesting things I found out from this website is that the chemicals from the smoke reach the breast tissue, and is found in their breast milk. Children and infants who are exposed to second hand smoke are at an increased risk for SID's, acute respiratory infections, and more severe and frequent asthma attacks. Lastly, there is no safe level of exposure. Any amount of exposure to second hand smoke is extremely harmful.

 

 

Second hand smoke, as you can tell has many ways of affecting people. The statement that I think is the most powerful thing stated about SHS is what Dr. C. Everett Koop stated in 1986. It is very scary to know that chemicals from smoke can reach the breast tissue. When it reaches the breast tissue, it can harm babies that are breast feeding. After finding out information like this, I have found out how much it affects others and how dangerous it is. I want to do more to stop second hand smoke and I think with all the information I have found, I have a valid argument.