Rats and cigarette smoke

Question
Hello!
I have two male rats; one is about a month old and the
other is about 8 months old.
My boyfriend and I live together and he is a smoker.
He does not blow the smoke in or near their cage, but
sometimes he does smoke in the same room where we keep
their cage.
I was hoping you could tell me if this is really bad for
them or if it's not too big of a problem.
They are probably subjected to the smoke of 1 cigarette per
day.
I really appreciate your help! :)

Answer
Mandy

Bad news..its just as bad for rats as it is for humans and if not, its even worse since rats have a smaller lung capacity.  

Mycoplasmosis is a bacteria rats are born with. It causes respiratory problems in the right environment, which is one that has bad air circulation, or bad air, period. you cant even subject your rats to candles, air fresheners, perfume or powders let along cigarette smoke. this can trigger mycoplasmosis. I am not anti smoking, my hubby smokes too, just that he does it outside so he doesnt have to spread his smoke to our lungs.

I would put the rats in another room or tell boyfriend to smoke at least in the bathroom with the door shut, blowing it out the window if thats the best you can get him to do.  I know its a pain, but believe me you dont want them to end up with myco. It shortens their life span pretty darn fast and they suffer chronic lung disease for the rest of their life once they get it and relapse again and again.