MODEL RELEASED. Passive smoking. Young woman smoking a cigarette while socialising with a young man. By being in close proximity with a smoker the man is forced to inhale her smoke, and in effect he is a passive smoker. Cigarette smoking leads to an increased risk of lung cancer, bronchitis, emphysema and coronary artery disease. Passive smokers may also contract tobacco-related diseases. Smoking may also affect the unborn child in pregnant women.