Originally posted by: DrPizza
I'll preface this response with I find smoking absolutely disgusting.
However, in the quote above, there's a 30% increased risk of cancer due to second hand smoke. Uhhh, 30% more than what? What are the odds of developing lung cancer if you're not a smoker, don't inhale 2nd hand smoke, and don't work closely with asbestos? 1 in 1000? What's a 30% increased risk there? 1.3 in 1000? Why don't we ever see the actual rate of risk? (I suspect) is it because the actual risk is still really low, but "30% increase" sounds like it's a huge deal, thus enabling even more anti-smoking "propaganda."
Again, I absolutely hate cigarette smoke. I can't stand to be around smokers. They stink. Their cigarette smoke stinks. But, I'm not persuaded by "30% increased risk" argument.
Or, to put it another way, your risk of getting hit by a meteorite are probably 1 in several billion. I'm magically going to double your risk. That's a 100% increase! Now, your odds of getting hit by a meteorite are 2 in several billion. I'll bet you're shaking in your boots, huh? I'll bet you wish I wasn't magic. "30% increase" is statistically meaningful, i.e. Yes, research proves 2nd hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, but it carries no other meaning unless you know what the original risk was.
Note: Cancer isn't the only bad thing from 2nd hand smoke, there are also: emphysema, stinkiness, sore throats, stinkiness, asthma, and did I mention it smells bad?