SECONDHAND SMOKE
According to the the U.S. Surgeon General’s report, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It is harmful and hazardous to the health of the general public and particularly dangerous to children. Secondhand smoke increases the risk of serious respiratory problems in children, such as severe asthma attacks and lower respiratory tract infections, and increases the risk for middle ear infections. It is also a known to cause cancer in humans and pets. Inhaling secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer and coronary heart disease in nonsmoking adults.
Secondhand smoke is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning end of commercial tobacco products (sidestream smoke) and the mainstream smoke exhaled by smokers. People may be exposed to secondhand smoke at home, in the workplace and in other public places.
Kids in Cars
.jpg)
What are the health impacts of secondhand smoke? How does it affect children?
How is secondhand smoke measured?
Is smoking in a vehicle really that bad?
Does opening a window or using the vehicle's ventilation system make smoking in a vehicle safe?
What is currently being done to protect children from exposure to secondhand smoke in vehicles?
What else can be done to prevent exposure to secondhand smoke in vehicles?
Secondhand Smoke Resources
Live Smoke Free – Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing
Clean Air for All – Smoke-Free Public Housing
Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights – Smoke-Free Cars
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids – Secondhand Smoke, Kids and Cars Factsheet
California Department of Public Health – “How Dangerous is Smoking in Cars?” (Video)
California Department of Public Health – Smoke Free Cars Factsheets and FAQs
Public Health Law Center – Smoke Free/Tobacco Free Places>Vehicles
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Secondhand Smoke