AIIMS study reveals link between second-hand smoke and severity of Covid-19

BENGALURU: A study conducted by the AIIMS-Gorakhpur team has established a link between effect of smoke and severity of Covid-19 in second-hand smokers.

Smoking is injurious to health, but many are addicted to it. The effects of smoking include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes among others. A recent study conducted by a team of AIIMS-Gorakhpur has shown that exposure to second-hand smoke at home or at work increases the chances of developing severe Covid-19 compared to those who are not exposed to it. The study was conducted across six states in the country.

Second-hand smoke is that which is inhaled from the burning of tobacco products. The smoke contains more than 7,000 harmful chemicals that will can cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic lung disease and have an adverse effect on the human body.

Dr Ranjan Shetty, cardiologist at Manipal Hospital

“Smoking is definitely bad for your health, there is no doubt about that. The AIIMS study has confirmed the adverse effect on the body. There are three types of smoking which include primary, second-hand and tertiary smoking. Primary smoker is one who smokes. Even a single cigarette can lead to a heart attack. One should completely stop it. Passive or second-hand smoking is bad for children and pregnant women. Tertiary smoking is also dangerous. Tobacco in any form is bad”, said Dr Ranjan Shetty, cardiologist at Manipal Hospital.