Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Section 12-3 Health Risks 309 Even if you are not smoking, inhaling the smoke of others is still a health concern. Secondhand smoke is the smoke caused by smoke- producing substances, such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. For people with lung and heart problems, breathing secondhand smoke can be very irritating. Children are also highly affected by secondhand smoke. Studies show that children of smokers are more likely to suffer from respiratory ailments than children of nonsmokers. The use of e-cigarettes to inhale vapor through the mouth, most of which contain nicotine, is known as vaping. Such exposure can harm the adolescent brain, which continues to develop until about the age of 25. In addition to nicotine, the aerosol that users inhale and exhale may increase the risk for future addiction to other drugs and can expose innocent bystanders to the harmful substances. Moreover, some of the chemicals used to provide the desired fl avors used for e-cigarettes may also have health risks. The use of smokeless tobacco products involves health risks as well. These are products such as chewing tobacco and snuff, which are chewed or placed against the gums. Their use has been linked to gum cancer and irritations of the gums and lips. For people who have never used tobacco products, continuing to avoid these products is the most health-conscious choice. For people who have used tobacco products, quitting is one of the best steps they can take for their health. People who quit smoking enjoy almost immediate health benefi ts. Within 24 hours, the risk of heart attack decreases. After three days, breathing becomes easier and lung capacity increases. Within weeks, the body’s energy level increases. Alcohol Alcohol is a depressant drug that is a serious health risk. Health care for alco- hol-related illnesses and accidents costs millions of dollars every year. Alcohol can damage the brain, liver, stomach, and other organs. It also interferes with judg- ment, vision, muscle coor- dination, and reaction time. This is why it poses such great danger to people who drive under its infl uence. See 12-4. 12-4 Safe drivers avoid the use of alcohol.