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A member asked:
How much lung damage is done in 14 years via 2 parents secondhand smoking? also, how long does it take for my lungs to recover?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Depends: Some people's lungs are very susceptible to tobacco smoke, others much less sensitive. In general, most smokers' lungs recover to a certain extent in 5 to 6 years after cessation of exposure. However you cannot reverse any permanent damage that may already be present.
Answered 8/18/2013
4.9k views
Depends: Depends on who you talk to. Lung injuries from second hand smoke are controversial and difficult to prove. Air pollution probably causes as much damage. Lung damage, once it occurs, does not go away. Smoking can make things worse, but not smoking probably maintains the status quo. This can improve with exercise, but the damage is permanent.
Answered 8/22/2013
4.9k views
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