Question

1. Each year, people die from second hand smoke.
2. Each year, people die from second hand smoking.
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Which one is okay? Are both expressions acceptable? Which one is commonly used, 'secondhand smoke' or 'secondhand smoking'?

Answer 1

"second hand smoke" is better. "Smoking" implies you're doing it yourself, not inhaling someone else's smoke, so doesn't work as well. The meaning is clear, but...