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Secondhand Smoke


SECONDHAND SMOKE IS...?

Secondhand smoke can be a mixture of two kinds of tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoke is

  • Smoke that floats from the burning tip of a cigarette, cigar or pipe and/or
  • Smoke that comes from a smoker’s mouth or nose when he or she is smoking

Secondhand smoke is an EPA class A carcinogen containing toxic chemicals that can lead to cancer.

SECONDHAND SMOKE EXPOSURE IN THE HOME

Over the past two decades great steps have been taken to create smoke-free environments through the creation of smoke free policies. Due to this progress, homes have now become a primary source of exposure to secondhand smoke for non-smokers.

THERE IS NO SAFE LEVEL OF EXPOSURE TO SECONDHAND SMOKE

Secondhand smoke exposure is harmful and can lead to various health problems among babies, young children, teenagers and adult non-smokers.

Secondhand Smoke

EXPOSURE AMONG ADULTS

Secondhand smoke exposure among adult non-smokers can;

  1. Worsen respiratory symptoms
  2. Increase risk for lung cancer
  3. Increase risk for heart disease

EXPOSURE AMONG BABIES AND CHILDREN

Babies and young children exposed to SHS can develop;
  1. Respiratory infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)
  2. Respiratory symptoms (asthma, coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath)
  3. Ear infections
  4. Increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Secondhand Smoke

FUTURE SMOKERS

Children and teenagers who are around smokers in the home are more likely to start smoking.

THE TRUTH ABOUT SECONDHAND SMOKE

There are several misconceptions about how cigarette smoke can spread and affect others in the home. As you now know, secondhand smoke contains toxic chemicals that can float in the air for long periods of time. Many people believe that because you can no longer smell smoke, it is no longer harmful. People have their own ideas and beliefs about secondhand smoke, so to help clear up some of these misconceptions, we have included a list of the four most commonly asked questions about secondhand smoke.

Q: Will it hurt others even if I smoke in another room?

A: Yes, it can. Secondhand smoke spreads to other rooms, even if the door is closed. It can also go through vents.


Q: Will smoking hurt my children if I smoke when they are not home?

A: Yes, it can. The toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke stay in rugs, curtains, clothes, furniture, and even food for days, weeks, or months after someone smokes. This may cause health problems.


Q: Can I get rid of the smoke if I open a window or turn on a fan in my home?

A: No. Opening a window or turning on a fan does not get rid of all the smoke in a room. In fact, smoke can come back inside the open window.


Q: Do air fresheners, filters, or purifiers make secondhand smoke less dangerous?

A: No. Air fresheners only hide the smell of smoke. They do not make the air safer. They may reduce the smoke in the air, but they do not get rid of the chemicals in smoke.