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Facts About Second Hand Smoking

Secondhand smoke exposure can result in negative health effects. According to the 2006 Surgeon General's Report, even brief exposure can irritate the lining of the lung airways and damage the lining of the blood vessels. Secondhand smoke lingers in the air, long after a person has stopped smoking a tobacco product.

  1. Significance

    • There are over 250 toxic or cancer-causing chemicals in secondhand smoke, according to the American Lung Association. Nonsmokers are exposed to higher concentrations of toxic chemicals from secondhand smoke than what is inhaled by smokers.

    Identification

    • The National Cancer Institute defines secondhand smoke as a combination of smoke emitted from the burning end of a tobacco product and smoke that is exhaled from a smoker. Secondhand smoke is also known as environmental tobacco smoke.

    Warning

    • Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to ear infections and respiratory problems. Adult nonsmokers may develop heart disease and lung cancer from prolonged exposure.

    Misconceptions

    • Many smokers falsely assume that they can smoke indoors away from others and not cause any harm. The Centers for Disease Control states that even separate ventilation systems cannot fully eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Avoid places that allow indoor smoking. Support policies for tobacco-free establishments.

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