Second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in people who have never smoked because it contains harmful chemicals, including known cancer-causing agents. When someone who does not smoke is around a person who is smoking they breathe in smoke from the burning cigarette and the smoke that the smoker breathes out. This mix of smoke is called second-hand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke. How Second-Hand Smoke Damages Lung Cells And DNA Also read: From Occasional to Long-Term Smoking, Experts Explain How Much Lung Damage Can Actually Reverse After Quitting?Even though the non-smoker does not light a cigarette they still take in dangerous substances. These chemicals can irritate the lungs. Cause inflammation. They also create stress, which means the body’s natural defenses are overwhelmed by harmful molecules. Over time this damage can harm the DNA inside lung cells.When DNA is damaged the cells may start to change in ways. These abnormal cells can grow out of control. Turn into cancer. The longer and more intense the exposure to second-hand smoke the higher the risk becomes. For example, people who live with a smoker or work in places where smoking is allowed may get exposure over time. Second-hand smoke also makes it harder for the body to fix cells. It keeps the lungs in a state of inflammation. This ongoing irritation helps create a condition where cancer can start and grow. There is no level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Even small amounts can add to the risk. Some people are especially at risk like children, pregnant women and those with asthma or other breathing problems. How Can Non-Smokers Reduce Their Exposure? The best way to prevent lung cancer from second-hand smoke is to reduce exposure. This means keeping homes, cars and workplaces completely smoke-free. It also means supporting smoke- policies and encouraging people to quit smoking. Protecting non-smokers from second-hand smoke is a step, in reducing lung cancer rates.Dr Saket Kumar, Senior Consultant – Physician & Pulmonology, Sterling Hospitals, Bhayli, Vadodara