Secondhand Smoke
The long-term health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), have been well established through scientific study during the past 2 decades. Strong evidence has linked ETS to the incidence of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. ETS exposure is now the third leading cause of preventable death in the US. The smoke from a burning cigarette contains many carcinogens, chemicals, and toxins, including tar, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, phenols, ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, nitrosamine, and nicotine.
Children are especially vulnerable to all of these harmful compounds, and are often unable to protect themselves from being exposed. Adults who are exposed to ETS in the workplace have an increased risk of suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses.*
More Information about Secondhand Smoke
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Secondhand Smoke - What it Means to You (2006 11,591.2 KB pdf)
Surgeon General's Report on Children and Secondhand Smoke (2007 765.9 KB pdf)
Surgeon General's Report on Involuntary Exposure to SHS (2006 434.4 KB pdf)
The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke (2008 40.5 KB pdf)
Protect Your Family & Yourself from Secondhand Smoke (2008 55.1 KB pdf)
What's in Cigarette Smoke (7.75 KB pdf)
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