Why should I care about secondhand smoke?

Because it can harm your family, friends, and yourself.

Secondhand tobacco smoke is a "class A carcinogen". It causes cancer in humans and there is NO known safe level of exposure (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,1992). It also causes heart disease and respiratory disease, and can result in complications during pregnancy. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to develop ear infections, colds, bronchitis, tonsillitis, asthma, and allergies.

Tobacco smoke is the leading indoor air pollutant. Many of its harmful substances are invisible, such as carbon monoxide, and linger long after the smoker leaves the room. Ventilation systems are rarely effective in removing all of the secondhand smoke.

Have questions?

• protecting yourself from secondhand smoke
• laws concerning smoking
• smoking and pregnancy
• children and tobacco