About Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke -a Class A Carcinogen equal to asbestos- produced from the lit end of a cigarette or other tobacco product. It is also produced by other smokers exhaling.

Facts and Figures

• 53,000 nonsmokers die each year from secondhand smoke.
• Children exposed to secondhand smoke are, in general, sicker than children whose parents do not smoke.
• People exposed to secondhand smoke on a regular basis have been shown to have a significantly higher risk of lung cancer.
• People with chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, and allergies can experience increased problems when exposed to secondhand smoke.
• Exposure to second hand smoke can cause decreased lung function, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
• Exposure to second hand smoke increases the risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections.

Symptoms

The most common immediate effect of exposure to secondhand smoke is irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.