Non-smokers who are exposed to tobacco smoke as passive smokers inhale many of the same carcinogens and toxins as active smokers. Non-smokers are at a very low risk of lung cancer, but those who are passive smokers have a 20-30% higher risk of lung cancer.
How will I help my lungs if I quit smoking?
How quickly will the positive effects emerge? Quitting smoking has many positive health effects, not just for your lungs.
Immediate benefits
The concentration of toxins delivered to the lungs from cigarette smoke will drop to the level of a non-smoker in a matter of days, which means that your lungs will be able to supply more oxygen, which will make breathing easier.
Benefits after a few weeks
Inflammation of the airways will begin to fade, which in turn means:
- cough relief
- less mucus secretion,
- easier and easier to do physical exercises.