Final answer:
Studies involving dogs exposed to smoke are designed to show the impacts of secondhand smoke, which is harmful to both animals and humans. Secondhand smoke is a known carcinogen that increases lung cancer risk in non-smokers and can lead to other health problems. Total elimination of indoor smoking is necessary to protect individuals from its dangers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dog studies you’re referring to likely aim to demonstrate the health effects of secondhand smoke, as dogs exposed to smoke would typically show a deterioration in their health compared to the control group that was not exposed. Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), contains over 7,000 substances, including at least 250 that are toxic and carcinogenic. This exposure is often involuntary and is classified by the EPA as a Group A carcinogen, linked to a host of issues ranging from lung cancer, allergy and asthma exacerbation, to cardiovascular problems in humans.
Specific health risks associated with secondhand smoke include an increased risk of developing lung cancer by up to 30% in nonsmokers living with smokers, more frequent lower respiratory infections in children, and a higher likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Aside from lung cancer, secondhand smoke includes chemicals like polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and formaldehyde that can contribute to other diseases and health issues.
Comprehensive research has substantiated that smoking causes lung cancer and many other health problems, not only in active smokers but also in those exposed to secondhand smoke. Therefore, the only way to fully protect individuals, including non-smokers, from these health hazards is to eliminate indoor smoking entirely. Measures like separating smokers from non-smokers and ventilating buildings are not enough to prevent exposure to secondhand smoke entirely.