How to Prevent Secondhand Smoking

Most people are aware of the dangers associated with smoking tobacco products. But even if you have never lit a cigarette, being exposed to cigarette smoke and other types of smoke can have lasting consequences. The dangers linked to secondhand smoking include respiratory problems such as asthma and lung cancer. There are ways, however, to prevent secondhand smoking and lower your risk of illness.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep the air in your home clean. Ask friends or relatives to smoke outside your home to lower your risk of secondhand smoke exposure. Opening a window doesn't provide adequate ventilation if people smoke in your home.

• 2

  Dine at smoke-free restaurant. Some restaurants allow smoking inside the building, so select restaurants in your area that do not permit smoking.

• 3

  Remove yourself from smoke-filled areas. Smoking is common in outdoor public places such as parks or bus stops. If someone lights a cigarette near you, move to avoid inhaling the smoke.

• 4

  Ask your employer to adopt a smoke-free environment or make designated areas for smokers. Smoking inside a building puts everyone at risk for second-hand smoking.

• 5

  Ban smoking from your automobile. Some might believe that it's OK to smoke inside the car as long as the windows are down, but you'll still inhale secondhand smoke with this method.