A new survey, conducted by U.K. company MIST, has shown that one in three British smokers have seen their pet fall ill as a result of their second-hand smoke.As we know, tobacco smoke contains carcinogens, a group of chemicals that can cause cancer. Animals inhaling second-hand smoke are also at risk of contracting cancerous cells in the lungs, mouth and nose.With an estimated 4 million pets living in smoking households across the U.K., the data shows that there are potentially over 1 million (1,356,864) animals living with second-hand smoke-related illnesses right now.More specifically, the calculations estimate that there are 642,960 dogs, and 676,800 cats at risk of suffering ill health at the hands of their smoking owners.Pets are particularly susceptible to picking up illnesses as they love to snuggle up with their owners and typically spend more time in the house lounging around on the furniture – which could also be covered in carcinogenic particles.Pets then spend their time grooming themselves, resulting in the digestion of the harmful particles. It is believed cats are more at risk than other pets due to their cleanliness.According to additional reports, dogs that have been exposed to second-hand smoke are susceptible to more eye infections, allergies and respiratory issues.Dogs living in smoke-filled environments also have an increased incidence of nasal cancer. It is believed long-nosed dogs are at the highest risk, with their likelihood of catching the illness rising to 250%.MIST's data has shown that a quarter of smokers are completely unaware of how their habit could be harming their pets.As a result, three in five smokers reported that they would give up smoking if they thought it was harming their pet. However, one in five people said they would refuse to quit.Founder and CEO of MIST, Fred Cassman spoke about the data, saying: "It’s astounding and upsetting to see the number of animals across the country who are adversely affected by their owners' second-hand smoke, and even more so when you consider it can lead to certain cancers.""Judging from the survey data, there is a clear lack of awareness on this issue. We want to share the findings so we can encourage Brits to ditch cigarettes in 2022, and to learn more about the damage tobacco smoke causes not only to ourselves, but to our loyal and beloved pets."
A new survey, conducted by U.K. company MIST, has shown that one in three British smokers have seen their pet fall ill as a result of their second-hand smoke.
As we know, tobacco smoke contains carcinogens, a group of chemicals that can cause cancer. Animals inhaling second-hand smoke are also at risk of contracting cancerous cells in the lungs, mouth and nose.
With an estimated 4 million pets living in smoking households across the U.K., the data shows that there are potentially over 1 million (1,356,864) animals living with second-hand smoke-related illnesses right now.
More specifically, the calculations estimate that there are 642,960 dogs, and 676,800 cats at risk of suffering ill health at the hands of their smoking owners.
Pets are particularly susceptible to picking up illnesses as they love to snuggle up with their owners and typically spend more time in the house lounging around on the furniture – which could also be covered in carcinogenic particles.
Pets then spend their time grooming themselves, resulting in the digestion of the harmful particles. It is believed cats are more at risk than other pets due to their cleanliness.
According to additional reports, dogs that have been exposed to second-hand smoke are susceptible to more eye infections, allergies and respiratory issues.
Dogs living in smoke-filled environments also have an increased incidence of nasal cancer. It is believed long-nosed dogs are at the highest risk, with their likelihood of catching the illness rising to 250%.
MIST's data has shown that a quarter of smokers are completely unaware of how their habit could be harming their pets.
As a result, three in five smokers reported that they would give up smoking if they thought it was harming their pet. However, one in five people said they would refuse to quit.
Founder and CEO of MIST, Fred Cassman spoke about the data, saying: "It’s astounding and upsetting to see the number of animals across the country who are adversely affected by their owners' second-hand smoke, and even more so when you consider it can lead to certain cancers."
"Judging from the survey data, there is a clear lack of awareness on this issue. We want to share the findings so we can encourage Brits to ditch cigarettes in 2022, and to learn more about the damage tobacco smoke causes not only to ourselves, but to our loyal and beloved pets."
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