Explain why an individual exposed regularly to secondhand tobacco smoke in an indoor environment faces respiratory health risks despite never smoking actively.

### Why this is right The student's lack of active smoking does not prevent inhalation of smoke in a shared indoor environment. The material states that passive smokers inhale many of the same harmful components and that smoke exposure can affect the airways and lung function. ### The concept Secondhand smoke exposure is involuntary inhalation of smoke from another person's tobacco use. Smoke can contain harmful substances such as nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. Airway irritation and inflammation may contribute to coughing and other breathing problems. A smoke-free home reduces the student's exposure at its source. The material also supports education and smoke-free environments as prevention approaches. ### What a good answer covers - Identifies the exposure as passive or secondhand smoking. - Explains that passive smoke contains harmful components. - Connects exposure with airway or lung effects. - Recommends reducing or removing exposure. ### Terms - **Secondhand smoke**: Tobacco smoke inhaled involuntarily from other people's smoking. - **Airway inflammation**: Swelling and irritation in the passages that carry air. ### Remember Not smoking yourself does not prevent exposure when tobacco smoke is present in your environment.