How to Prevent Passive Smoking Effects on Your Health

According to the American Cancer Society, 46,000 nonsmokers who live with smokers die yearly from heart diseases, and 50,000 to 300,000 children under 18 months old who live with smokers develop lung infections such as pneumonia. Maternal smoking during pregnancy and living with a smoker both drastically increase a baby's risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). These are scary statistics, and there are many more.

Make Your Home and Car Smoke-Free Zones

• Don't let anyone smoke in your home or car, no matter what. If you'd like to accommodate smokers at your home, designate an outdoor area for them to smoke, using fans or air filters to keep the smoke from coming inside. Stay away from the area while it's being used, and always keep children out of the range of the smoke. Don't let anyone smoke in your car, even with the window down. You'll still be exposed to the smoke. Some states even have laws against smoking in a vehicle with minors in it.

Avoid Secondhand Smoke at Work

• The workplace is one of the toughest places to avoid passive smoking. Make sure to always use an entrance and exit that does not require you to walk through a smoking area. If this isn't possible, talk to the building manager and check local and state laws for the exact regulations about designated smoking area locations. If smoking is allowed in your workplace, sit as far from smokers as possible, use fans to redirect the smoke and use air filters to clean the air around you.

Patronize Smoke-Free Businesses

• If you live in an area without a smoking ban, do some research and find out which businesses near you prohibit smoking. Make these places your first choice, especially when going out with children and people with compromised lungs.

Use Smoke-Free Day Care and Other Service Providers

• Make sure that your child's day care is 100% free from smokers. If your child goes to someone else's house for day care, be sure that no one who lives there smokes and that guests are not allowed to smoke in the home. Babysitters, pet sitters and housekeepers who don't smoke are first on your list of other service providers.

Seal Leaks and Vents

• If you live in an apartment or condominium building that allows smoking, you might have a bit of a challenge keeping smoke out of your home. Make sure that vents, windows, doorways, electrical outlets, window units and all other openings are properly sealed to keep smoke from coming in. Consider consulting a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) expert to help you.

Support Smokers' Quitting

• If you know someone who wants to quit smoking, especially someone you live or work with, be supportive and encouraging. Let her know she can talk to you about her struggle, and offer whatever help you can.