Question: who is more affected between a passive and active smoker

Michael Kimwele answered on 21 Jul 2025:

While both passive and active smokers are harmed by tobacco smoke, active smokers are generally more affected because they directly inhale concentrated smoke into their lungs repeatedly and over extended periods, leading to higher exposure to harmful chemicals like nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. However, passive smokers (those who inhale secondhand smoke) are also at significant risk, especially in enclosed spaces, as they breathe in a combination of exhaled smoke and smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, which contains many toxic substances. In some cases, especially with prolonged exposure, passive smoking can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections—particularly in children and non-smokers with existing conditions—making both forms dangerous, but with active smokers typically facing greater direct harm.