Second-Hand Smoke Dangers

A new study shows women exposed to second hand smoke in any period of their life are more vulnerable to developing fertility problems.

According to the study published in Tobacco Control, female passive smokers are 68 percent more likely to experience infertility disorders and have miscarriage.

Findings revealed that being exposed to second hand smoke for six or more hours a day particularly during the childbearing age increases the rate of having difficulty conceiving 26 percent; miscarriage is also reported in 39 percent of these women.

Toxins in the cigarette smoke affect the woman's fertility by interfering with her hormones. Some believe smoke can also damage the woman's cervix and therefore influences the conceiving process.

The study showed that four out of every five women has been exposed to second hand smoke and half have grown up with smoker parents.

Previous studies had linked smoking during pregnancy with an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects.