Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke your blood platelets to become stickier.

become stickier. These Parents can help protect their children from
On this Page changes can cause a deadly heart attack. secondhand smoke by taking the following
People who already have heart disease are at actions:9
Secondhand Smoke Causes Cardiovascular especially high risk of suffering adverse effects
Disease from breathing secondhand smoke and should Do not allow anyone to smoke anywhere in or
Secondhand Smoke Causes Lung Cancer take special precautions to avoid even brief near your home.
Secondhand Smoke Causes SIDS exposures.1 Do not allow anyone to smoke in your car, even
Secondhand Smoke Harms Children with the window down.
References Secondhand Smoke Causes Lung Cancer Make sure your childrens day care centers and
Secondhand smoke is the combination of schools are tobacco-free.
smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in If your state still allows smoking in public areas,
the smoke breathed out by smokers. adults who have never smoked.4 look for restaurants and other places that do
Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 not allow smoking. No-smoking sections do
chemicals. Hundreds are toxic and about 70 Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand not protect you and your family from
can cause cancer.1,2,3,4 smoke at home or at work increase their risk of secondhand smoke.
developing lung cancer by 2030%.2
Since the 1964 Surgeon Generals Report, 2.5 Secondhand smoke causes more than 7,300 The Effects of Secondhand Smoke
million adults who were nonsmokers died lung cancer deaths among U.S. nonsmokers Listen
because they breathed secondhand smoke.1 each year.4 IN THIS ARTICLE
Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand What Is Secondhand Smoke?
There is no risk-free level of exposure to smoke are inhaling many of the same cancer- Dangers for Children
secondhand smoke. causing substances and poisons as How to Avoid Secondhand Smoke
smokers.2,3,4 Being around tobacco smoke is bad for you,
Secondhand smoke causes numerous health Even brief secondhand smoke exposure can even if it's someone else's smoke.
problems in infants and children, including damage cells in ways that set the cancer
more frequent and severe asthma attacks, process in motion.4 When someone smokes a cigarette, most of
respiratory infections, ear infections, and As with active smoking, the longer the duration the smoke doesn't go into their lungs. It goes
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).1,4 and the higher the level of exposure to into the air, where anyone nearby can breathe
Smoking during pregnancy results in more than secondhand smoke, the greater the risk of it.
1,000 infant deaths annually.4 developing lung cancer.4
Some of the health conditions caused by Secondhand Smoke Causes SIDS Smoking is banned in many public places. But
secondhand smoke in adults include coronary many people are still exposed to secondhand
heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.1,4 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the smoke, especially children who live with
sudden, unexplained, unexpected death of an parents who smoke. Even people who try to be
Health Consequences Causally Linked to infant in the first year of life. SIDS is the leading careful about where they light up may not
Exposure to Secondhand Smoke cause of death in otherwise healthy infants.6 protect those around them.
Secondhand smoke increases the risk for
Diagram showing the effects of secondhand SIDS.2,4 What Is Secondhand Smoke?
smoke. In children: Middle ear disease,
respiratory symptoms, impaired lung function, Smoking by women during pregnancy increases It can come from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.
Lower respiratory illness, sudden infant death the risk for SIDS.2,4,7 Tobacco smoke has more than 4,000 chemical
syndrome. In Adults: Stroke, nasal irritation, Infants who are exposed to secondhand smoke compounds, at least 250 are known to cause
lung cancer, coronary heart disease, after birth are also at greater risk for SIDS.2,4 disease.
reproductive effects in women; low birth Chemicals in secondhand smoke appear to
weight affect the brain in ways that interfere with its Exposure to secondhand smoke raises the risk -
regulation of infants' breathing.2,4 - by as much as 30 percent -- that others will
Note: Infants who die from SIDS have higher get lung cancer and many other types of
The condition in red is a new disease causally concentrations of nicotine in their lungs and cancer, it can lead to emphysema, and it is bad
linked to secondhand smoke in the 2014 higher levels of cotinine (a biological marker for for your heart.
Surgeon Generals Report4 secondhand smoke exposure) than infants who
die from other causes.2,4 Smoke makes your blood stickier, raises your
Secondhand Smoke Causes Cardiovascular Parents can help protect their babies from SIDS "bad" LDL cholesterol, and damages the lining
Disease by taking the following three actions:8 of your blood vessels. Eventually, these
changes can make you more likely to have a
Exposure to secondhand smoke has immediate Do not smoke when pregnant. heart attack or stroke.
adverse effects on the cardiovascular system Do not smoke in the home or around the baby.
and can cause coronary heart disease and Put the baby down to sleep on its back. CONTINUE READING BELOW
stroke.2,4,5 Secondhand Smoke Harms Children YOU MIGHT LIKE

Secondhand smoke causes nearly 34,000 Secondhand smoke can cause serious health
premature deaths from heart disease each year problems in children.2,4 WEBMD
in the United States among nonsmokers.4 WebMDRx
Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand Studies show that older children whose parents Better drug prices from the name you can
smoke at home or at work increase their risk of smoke get sick more often. Their lungs grow trust.
developing heart disease by 2530%.1 less than children who do not breathe
Secondhand smoke increases the risk for stroke secondhand smoke, and they get more Dangers for Children
by 2030%.4 bronchitis and pneumonia.
Secondhand smoke exposure causes more than Wheezing and coughing are more common in Kids are particularly at risk for the effects of
8,000 deaths from stroke annually.4 children who breathe secondhand smoke. secondhand smoke because their bodies are
Breathing secondhand smoke can have Secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma still growing and they breathe at a faster rate
immediate adverse effects on your blood and attack in a child. Children with asthma who are than adults.
blood vessels, increasing the risk of having a around secondhand smoke have more severe
heart attack.2,3,4 and frequent asthma attacks. A severe asthma These conditions have been linked to
attack can put a child's life in danger. secondhand smoke exposure in children:
Breathing secondhand smoke interferes with Children whose parents smoke around them
the normal functioning of the heart, blood, and get more ear infections. They also have fluid in Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
vascular systems in ways that increase the risk their ears more often and have more More respiratory infections (such as bronchitis
of having a heart attack. operations to put in ear tubes for drainage. and pneumonia)
Even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can More severe and frequent asthma attacks
damage the lining of blood vessels and cause Ear infections
Chronic cough Leukemia
Liver cancer Everyone can be exposed to SHS in public
Smoking during pregnancy is especially Brain tumors places where smoking is allowed, such as some
dangerous to the developing baby. It's tied to Secondhand smoke causes other diseases and restaurants, shopping centers, public
premature delivery, low birth weight, SIDS, death transportation, parks, and schools. The
limited mental ability, trouble with learning, Surgeon General has suggested people choose
and ADHD. The more cigarettes a mother-to-be Secondhand smoke can be harmful in many smoke-free restaurants and businesses, and let
smokes, the greater the danger to her baby. ways. For instance, it affects the heart and owners of businesses that are not smoke-free
blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart know that SHS is harmful to your familys
How to Avoid Secondhand Smoke attack and stroke in non-smokers. Some health.
studies have linked SHS to mental and
It's simple: Avoid being around people who are emotional changes, too. For instance, some Public places where children go are a special
smoking, and try to convince those around you studies have shown that exposure to SHS is area of concern. Make sure that your childrens
who smoke to quit. Anyone who does smoke linked to symptoms of depression. More daycare centers and schools are smoke-free.
should do so outside, as far away from other research is needed to better understand the
people as possible. link between SHS and mental health. Some businesses might be afraid to ban
smoking, but theres no strong evidence that
Your home is probably the most important Secondhand smoke and your childrens health going smoke-free is bad for business.
place to keep smoke-free, especially if you have
children. Keeping kids (and adults) far away Young children are most affected by SHS and At home
from smoke can help lower their chances of least able to avoid it. Most of their exposure to
having respiratory infections, severe asthma, SHS comes from adults (parents or others) Making your home smoke-free may be one of
cancer, and many other serious conditions. smoking at home. Studies show that children the most important things you can do for the
whose parents smoke: health of your family. Any family member can
Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke develop health problems related to SHS.
Get sick more often Childrens growing bodies are especially
What is secondhand smoke? Have more lung infections (like bronchitis and sensitive to the toxins in SHS. And think about
pneumonia) it: we spend more time at home than
Secondhand smoke (SHS) is also called Are more likely to cough, wheeze, and have anywhere else. A smoke-free home protects
environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Its a shortness of breath your family, your guests, and even your pets.
mixture of 2 forms of smoke that come from Get more ear infections
burning tobacco: Secondhand smoke can also trigger asthma Multi-unit housing where smoking is allowed is
attacks, make asthma symptoms worse, and a special concern and a subject of research.
Mainstream smoke: The smoke exhaled by a even cause new cases of asthma in kids who Tobacco smoke can move through air ducts,
smoker. didnt have symptoms before. wall and floor cracks, elevator shafts, and along
Sidestream smoke: Smoke from the lighted end crawl spaces to contaminate units on other
of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, or tobacco burning Some of these problems might seem small, but floors, even those that are far from the smoke.
in a hookah. This type of smoke has higher they can add up quickly. Think of the expenses, SHS cannot be controlled with ventilation, air
concentrations of cancer-causing agents doctor visits, medicines, lost school time, and cleaning, or by separating smokers from non-
(carcinogens) and is more toxic than often lost work time for the parent who must smokers.
mainstream smoke. It also has smaller particles stay home with a sick child. And this doesnt
than mainstream smoke. These smaller include the discomforts that the child goes In the car
particles make their way into the lungs and the through.
bodys cells more easily. Americans spend a great deal of time in cars,
When non-smokers are exposed to SHS its In very young children, SHS also increases the and if someone smokes there, the toxins can
called involuntary smoking or passive smoking. risk for more serious problems, including build up quickly even when the windows are
Non-smokers who breathe in SHS take in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). open or the air-conditioner is on. Again, this
nicotine and toxic chemicals the same way can be especially harmful to children.
smokers do. The more SHS you breathe, the Where is secondhand smoke a problem?
higher the levels of these harmful chemicals in In response to this fact, many medical expert
your body. You should be especially concerned about groups have been working to encourage people
exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) in these to make their cars, as well as their homes,
Why is secondhand smoke a problem? places: smoke-free. Some states and cities even have
laws that ban smoking in the car if carrying
Secondhand smoke (SHS) has the same harmful At work passengers under a certain age or weight. And
chemicals that smokers inhale. Theres no safe many facilities such as city buildings, malls,
level of exposure for secondhand smoke (SHS). The workplace is a major source of SHS schools, colleges, and hospitals ban smoking on
exposure for many adults. their grounds, including their parking lots.
Secondhand smoke causes cancer
The Occupational Safety and Health There is no safe level of exposure to
Secondhand smoke is known to cause cancer. It Administration (OSHA) and the National secondhand smoke (SHS). Any exposure is
has more than 7,000 chemicals, including at Institute for Occupational Safety and Health harmful.
least 70 that can cause cancer. (NIOSH), federal agencies responsible for
health and safety in the workplace, recognize The only way to fully protect non-smokers from
SHS causes lung cancer even in people who there are no known safe levels of SHS and exposure to SHS indoors is to prohibit all
have never smoked. Theres also some recommend that exposures be reduced to the smoking in that indoor space or building.
evidence suggesting it might be linked in adults lowest possible levels. Separating smokers from non-smokers,
to cancers of the: cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings
The Surgeon General has said that smoke-free cannot keep non-smokers from being exposed
Larynx (voice box) workplace policies are the only way to prevent to SHS.
Pharynx (throat) SHS exposure at work. Separating smokers What about lingering smoking odors?
Nasal sinuses from non-smokers, cleaning the air, and
Brain ventilating the building cannot prevent Theres no research in the medical literature as
Bladder exposure if people still smoke inside the of yet showing that lingering tobacco smoke
Rectum building. An extra bonus of workplace smoking odors or residuals from it cause cancer in
Stomach restrictions, other than protecting non- people. Research does show that particles from
Breast smokers, is that they may also encourage secondhand tobacco smoke can settle in dust
Its possibly linked in children to: smokers to smoke less, or even quit. and on surfaces and remain there long after
the smoke is gone. Some studies suggest the
Lymphoma In public places particles can last for months. Even though its
no longer in the form of smoke, researchers Second-hand smoke is a mix of smoke from a lit Children are more likely to get asthma when
often call this thirdhand smoke (THS) or cigarette, pipe or cigar, plus smoke blown into exposed to second-hand smoke. Second-hand
residual tobacco smoke. the air by the person smoking. smoke is harmful to children with existing
chronic lung conditions and asthma because
Particles that settle out from tobacco smoke How harmful is second-hand smoke? the second-hand smoke makes the health
have been shown to combine with gases in the Second-hand smoke is poisonous. It has over conditions worse.
air to form cancer-causing compounds that 4000 chemicals, including 50 that can cause How can I prevent exposure to second-hand
settle onto surfaces. For instance, NNK and cancer. Some of the chemicals in second-hand smoke?
PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), smoke are: To protect your family from second-hand
carcinogens that are known to cause lung smoke, make your home and car smoke-free.
cancer, have been found in dust samples taken Benzo[a]pyrene found in coal tar, one of the Do not let anyone smoke near your child.
from the homes of smokers. Research has also most potent cancer-causing chemicals.
shown that thirdhand smoke can damage Formaldehyde used to preserve dead Encourage family and friends to create a
human DNA in cell cultures and impact blood animals. smoke-free environment. For tips on creating a
clotting in lab animals. Hydrogen cyanide used in rat poison. smoke-free home, visit Smoke-Free Housing BC
Ammonia used to clean floors and toilets. www.smokefreehousingbc.ca.
Though its not yet clear if such smoke residue Two thirds of the smoke from a burning
can cause cancer, any effects would probably cigarette that enters into the air can be inhaled Smoke from 1 cigarette can stay in a room for
be small compared with direct exposure to by anyone in that area. hours, even with an open window. Many of the
SHS. Still, the compounds may be stirred up toxic chemicals remain in the air and the
and inhaled with other house dust, and may Second-hand smoke causes over 100 deaths carpets, curtains, furniture, and clothes. Air
also be accidentally taken in through the each year in British Columbia. It keeps many purifiers and ventilation systems may remove
mouth. Because of this, any risk the more people from leading healthy lives. some of the smoke, but these may not remove
compounds pose is probably greater for babies all the toxic chemicals.
and children who play on the floor and often How does second-hand smoke harm your
put things in their mouths. health? Are there any laws to protect against second-
People who do not smoke and who are hand smoke exposure?
No actual cancer risk has been measured at this exposed regularly to the toxic chemicals in It is against the law to smoke in a motor vehicle
time, but the health risks of THS are an active second-hand smoke can suffer serious and life- with anyone under the age of 16 years. Most
area of research. threatening health concerns. In the long term, cars are airtight and the cigarette smoke has no
people exposed to second-hand smoke have a place to escape. Opening a window can change
What can be done about secondhand smoke? greater risk of suffering from: the airflow and cause the smoke to be blown
directly back at the people in the car.
Many US local and state governments, and lung cancer;
even federal governments in some other nasal sinus cancer; It is against the law to smoke or use tobacco in
countries, have decided that protecting the heart disease; schools or on school property.
health of employees and others in public places stroke; and
is of the utmost importance. Many have passed breathing problems, such as increased It is against the law to smoke inside or within 3
clean indoor air laws. Although the laws vary coughing, wheezing, pneumonia, bronchitis, meters of a doorway, window or air intake of a
from place to place, they are becoming more and asthma. public building or workplace (including work
common. Detailed information on smoking People who do not smoke will suffer from the vehicles)
restrictions in each state is available from the effects of breathing second-hand smoke right
American Lung Association. away. In as little as 8 to 20 minutes physical The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
reactions can occur that are linked to heart
You dont have to wait for the government to disease and stroke. These reactions include Even if you don't smoke, breathing in someone
act. Even if you smoke, you can decide to make increased heart rate, less oxygen to the heart, else's smoke can be deadly too. Secondhand
your home and car smoke-free. This is the and constricted blood vessels that increase smoke causes about 3,000 deaths from lung
safest thing to do for your children, other blood pressure and make the heart work cancer and tens of thousands of deaths from
family members, pets, and guests. harder. heart disease to nonsmoking adults in the
United States each year.
Written by Pregnant women exposed to second-hand
References smoke can have a greater risk of miscarriages, Millions of children are breathing in
premature birth, and babies with low birth secondhand smoke in their own homes.
weight. Secondhand smoke can be especially harmful
The American Cancer Society medical and to your children's health because their lungs
editorial content team How does second-hand smoke harm babies still are developing. If you smoke around your
and children? children or they are exposed to secondhand
Our team is made up of doctors and masters- Children are at higher risk of getting sick from smoke in other places, they may be in more
prepared nurses with deep knowledge of second-hand smoke because their lungs are danger than you realize. Children whose
cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and still developing and easily damaged. Babies also parents smoke only outside are still exposed to
translators with extensive experience in inhale more smoke because they breathe faster the chemicals in secondhand smoke. The best
medical writing. than adults. way to eliminate this exposure is to quit.
The Harmful Effects of Second-hand Smoke
Second-hand smoke is harmful to babies and Read more to learn about the dangers of
HealthLinkBC File Number: children in the following ways: -secondhand smoke and how to create a
30a smoke-free environment for your children.
Last Updated: Babies who breathe second-hand smoke have a
December 2015 greater chance of dying from Sudden Infant What is Secondhand Smoke?
Download PDF: Death Syndrome (SIDS). For more information, Secondhand smoke (also known as
English see HealthLinkBC File #46 Sudden Infant Death environmental tobacco smoke) is the smoke a
Chinese Syndrome (SIDS). smoker breathes out and that comes from the
Farsi Children exposed to second-hand smoke have a tip of burning cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. It
French greater risk of getting lung infections, such as contains about 4,000 chemicals. Many of these
Korean bronchitis and pneumonia. They also suffer chemicals are dangerous; more than 50 are
Punjabi more from chronic coughing, wheezing, and known to cause cancer. Anytime children
Spanish breathing problems. breathe in secondhand smoke they are
Vietnamese Second-hand smoke can cause fluid to build up exposed to these chemicals.
What is second-hand smoke? in the inner ear, which can cause an ear
infection. The American Academy Pediatrics (AAP) has
conducted research on the effects of thirdhand
smoke and found that it is also harmful. quitline- they can refer you to local resources
Thirdhand smoke is the smoke left behindthe Secondhand Smoke is Everywhere and help you quit.
harmful toxins that remain in places where Children can be exposed to secondhand smoke
people have smoked previously. Thirdhand in many places. Even if there are no smokers in Parents need to make every effort to keep their
smoke can be found in the walls of a bar, your home, your children can still be exposed children away from smokers and secondhand
upholstery on the seats of a car, or even a to secondhand smoke. Places include: smoke. Parents who smoke should quit for
child's hair after a caregiver smokes near the their health and the health of their children.
child. In a car or on a bus
Additional Information & Resources:
Your Developing Baby and Smoke At child care or school Why are Smoke-free Environments a Big Deal?
If you smoke or are exposed to secondhand
smoke when you're pregnant, your baby is At a babysitter's house Smoke-free Housing
exposed to harmful chemicals too. This may
lead to many serious health problems, At a friend's or relative's house How Parents Can Prevent Exposure to
including: Thirdhand Smoke
In a restaurant
Miscarriage How to Quit: When the Smoker is You
At the mall
Premature birth (born not fully developed) Secondhand Smoke & Children Fact Sheet
At sporting events or concerts (PDF)
Lower birth weight than expected (possibly
meaning a less healthy baby) In parks or playgrounds Cardiovascular Dangers Caused by Exposure to
Secondhand Smoke (CDC.gov) - Note that
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) Creating a Smoke-Free Environment these effects apply to anyone exposed to
The following tips may help keep your children secondhand smoke (not just children), but that
Learning problems and attention- from being exposed to secondhand smoke: the effects are worse in children, whose bodies
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are still developing.
Set the example. If you smoke, quit today! If
The health risks go up the longer the pregnant your children see you smoking, they may want
woman smokes or is exposed to smoke. to try it, and they may grow up smoking as
Quitting anytime during pregnancy helpsof well. If there are cigarettes at home, children
course, the sooner the better. All pregnant are more likely to experiment with smoking
women should stay away from secondhand the first step in becoming addicted.
smoke and ask smokers not to smoke around
them. Remove your children from places where
smoking is allowed, even if no one is smoking
Secondhand Smoke and Your Children's Health while you are there. Chemicals from smoke can
Infants have a higher risk of SIDS if they are be found on surfaces in rooms days after the
exposed to secondhand smoke. Children have a smoking occurred.
higher risk of serious health problems, or
problems may become worse. Children who Make your home smoke free. Until you can
breathe secondhand smoke can have more: quit, don't smoke inside your home and don't
smoke anywhere near your children, even if
Ear infections you are outside. Don't put out any ashtrays.
Remember, air flows throughout a house, so
Coughs and colds smoking in even one room allows smoke to go
everywhere.
Respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and
pneumonia Make your car smoke free. Until you can quit,
don't smoke inside your car. Opening windows
Tooth decay isn't enough to clear the air and can actually
blow smoke back into the faces of passengers
Children of smokers cough and wheeze more in the back seat.
and have a harder time getting over colds. They
miss many more school days too. Secondhand Choose a babysitter who doesn't smoke. Even if
smoke can cause other symptoms including the babysitter smokes outside, your children
stuffy nose, headache, sore throat, eye are exposed. Consider changing babysitters to
irritation, and hoarseness. find a smoke-free environment for your
children.
Children with asthma are especially sensitive to
secondhand smoke. It may cause more asthma Encourage tobacco-free child care and schools.
attacks and the attacks may be more severe, Help your children's child care or school,
requiring trips to the hospital. including outdoor areas and teachers' lounges,
become tobacco free. Get your children
Long-Term Effects of Secondhand Smoke involved in the effort to make schools tobacco
Children who grow up with parents who smoke free!
are themselves more likely to smoke. Children
and teens who smoke are affected by the same An Important Choice
health problems that affect adults. Secondhand If you smoke, one of the most important things
smoke may cause problems for children later in you can do for your own health and the health
life including: of your children is to stop smoking. Quitting is
the best way to prevent your children from
Poor lung development (meaning that their being exposed to secondhand smoke.
lungs never grow to their full potential)
It may be hard to quit. Talk with your doctor or
Lung cancer your child's pediatrician if you need help. There
are over-the-counter and prescription
Heart disease medicines that may help you quit. Call 1-800-
QUIT-NOW to be connected to your state
Cataracts (an eye disease)