In what way can family most influence the development of chronic disease? A. UV exposure B. Outdoor air quality C. Secondhand smoke exposure D. Allergen exposure
Health · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020
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C. Secondhand smoke exposure
Family can most significantly influence the development of chronic disease through exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke comes from the burning end of cigarettes, pipes, or cigars and is also exhaled by a smoker. It contains more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and around 70 that can cause cancer. Exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses (like asthma and bronchitis) in non-smokers. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke because their bodies are still developing, and it can lead to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more severe asthma.