Dangers of Second Hand Smoking

Many smokers mistakenly believe that they are the only ones risking their health when they smoke. Anyone in the vicinity is at risk from second-hand smoke, especially those who live with the smoker.

Dangers to Babies

• Each year, hundreds of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) fatalities occur as a direct result of second-hand smoking.

Dangers to Young Children

• Second-hand smoking causes over 150,000 respiratory infections in children under 18 months each year, as well as over 7,500 hospitalizations.

Dangers to Children

• Second-hand smoking has been linked to a build up of fluid in the ears, resulting in 790,000 doctor visits each year.

Dangers to Children With Asthma

• Up to a million children with asthma risk having their asthma symptoms aggravated by second-hand smoking each year. Asthma is a chronic and potentially fatal respiratory illness.

Dangers to Adults

• Second-hand smoking causes almost 50,000 deaths each year in adults, primarily from lung cancer and heart attacks.