Medical Is Second Hand Smoke Harmful Even If It Doesn't Cause Failed Urine Tests?

AI Thread Summary
Secondhand smoke poses significant health risks, similar to those experienced by primary smokers, as both are exposed to harmful combustion products. While secondhand marijuana smoke can potentially lead to a positive urine test, it typically requires a larger dose of psychoactive compounds than what is usually inhaled passively. The main difference between primary and secondary exposure lies in the frequency and depth of inhalation, with primary smokers inhaling more deeply and often. Chronic exposure to secondhand smoke, whether from tobacco or marijuana, can lead to harmful health effects due to carcinogenic substances present even at low doses. Understanding the dosage and exposure levels is crucial in assessing the risks associated with secondhand smoke.
Jasongreat
I have a question regarding second hand smoke and its dangers, I hope this is the right place to post it.

I have been told how dangerous second hand cigarette smoke is, I have also been told that it is impossible to fail a urine test due to inhaling second hand MJ smoke. So which is it, second hand smoke is an efficient way to transfer toxins from one to another, or toxins can't be efficiently transported via second hand smoke? Or are there other reasons that I am overlooking why this is supposedly so?

Thanks for any help.
 
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There's really no difference between second hand smoke and being the primary inhaler, other than possibly how deeply the smoke is inhaled into your lungs (the primary smoker might take a much deeper breath to "enjoy" the smoke than the person exposed to second hand smoke who is trying to breathe more shallowly to avoid inhaling as much as possible). You're inhaling the combustion products, whether intentionally or secondarily. The only real difference is that the primary smoker would be exposed frequently, while the person exposed to secondary smoke might be getting a lighter dose over time from less frequent exposure...unless they are sharing a home with a smoker.
 
Moonbear said:
There's really no difference between second hand smoke and being the primary inhaler, other than possibly how deeply the smoke is inhaled into your lungs (the primary smoker might take a much deeper breath to "enjoy" the smoke than the person exposed to second hand smoke who is trying to breathe more shallowly to avoid inhaling as much as possible). You're inhaling the combustion products, whether intentionally or secondarily. The only real difference is that the primary smoker would be exposed frequently, while the person exposed to secondary smoke might be getting a lighter dose over time from less frequent exposure...unless they are sharing a home with a smoker.

Thanks, Moonbear. It seems I have been told wrongly, second hand MJ smoke could cause one to fail a urinalysis, I couldn't see how it could work in one case and not the other and I knew one of the fine members here would set it straight.
 
The issue here is probably dosage. For getting high from marijuana and having enough to test positive for the substance, you need a large dose of the psychoactive compounds in the smoke, which the second hand smoke probably would not be able to provide in most cases. In contrast, the health concerns with tobacco and marijuana come from exposure to the carcinogenic substances in the smoke which can have harmful effects even at low doses is the exposure is chronic.
 
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