Smoking Sucks: According to the Latest News, Even a Little Smoke Can Damage Your Cells

Do you ever find yourself waving your hands in front of your face and flashing a disgusted look when a smoker exhales in your path? I admit, I do--especially now that I'm pregnant. Everyone knows the dangers of second-hand smoke, but most people chalk up a little minor exposure now and then as unavoidable and generally harmless. Um, that's just not true. Results of a major study show that when you see a smoker, it's best to get out of her way. Here's why ...

Now there's more reason than ever to feel justified about that annoyed glance when a smoker rudely blows smoke in your path (sorry for my lack of manners, but I just think that's plain rude!): The bit of smoke you're inhaling in passing could have the power to damage your cells.

Shockingly, according to a new study, Even low levels of tobacco smoke exposure pose a risk to lung health, triggering potentially hazardous genetic changes, according to a new study by researchers at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. The findings? Even the lowest levels of smoke exposure can lead to "genetic changes at the cellular level in the lungs."

The researchers looked at minor smoke exposure--like what you'd get while hanging out near a smoker or chatting with someone who's smoking near you--and those who have one or two cigarettes a week when socializing.

"When exposed to smoke [even very low levels], the genes get turned on and off abnormally," said the study's lead researcher. "The cell is crying out at a biological level, saying, 'Something's wrong. I'm being stressed here.'"

Sure, you can't avoid all smoke--and running in the opposite direction when you see a smoker walking by doesn't make any sense either (plus, um, you'd look a little nuts)--but I do think that proactively trying to avoid exposure to smoke is a good idea. That may mean not accompanying a smoking office pal on a lunchtime walk. It may not be worth the toxicity.

What are your thoughts on this? Does low-level smoke exposure bug you? What about in light of these new findings?