Secondhand Smoke

• Secondhand Smoke is a mixture of sidestream smoke from a burning cigarette and mainstream smoke exhaled by a smoker.
• There is no safe level of exposure to Secondhand Smoke; even brief contact can be harmful.
• Exposure significantly increases the risk of various health issues, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory problems.
• Children are particularly vulnerable, facing higher risks of asthma, ear infections, SIDS, and impaired lung development.
• Protecting non-smokers, especially children, from Secondhand Smoke is vital for preventing serious health complications.

What is Secondhand Smoke?

Secondhand Smoke (SHS) refers to the smoke inhaled involuntarily by someone other than the smoker. It is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, comprising two main components: sidestream smoke, which comes directly from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, and mainstream smoke, which is exhaled by the person smoking. Sidestream smoke makes up about 85% of SHS and contains higher concentrations of cancer-causing agents and toxic chemicals than mainstream smoke, as it is not filtered.

Numerous Secondhand smoke facts and information highlight that SHS contains over 7,000 chemicals, at least 250 of which are known to be harmful, and more than 69 are known to cause cancer. These include substances like arsenic, benzene, cadmium, and formaldehyde. Unlike direct smoking, there is no safe level of exposure to SHS; even short-term exposure can have immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and respiratory tract, making it a significant environmental health hazard.

Health Risks and Dangers of Secondhand Smoke Exposure

The Health risks of secondhand smoke exposure are extensive and affect people of all ages, particularly children. For adults, exposure to SHS significantly increases the risk of developing serious chronic diseases. Non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work have a 20–30% increased risk of developing lung cancer. Furthermore, it raises the risk of heart disease by 25–30% and stroke by 20–30%, as it damages blood vessels and makes blood stickier, increasing the likelihood of clots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that SHS causes nearly 34,000 premature deaths from heart disease and more than 7,300 premature deaths from lung cancer each year among non-smoking adults in the United States.

The Dangers of secondhand smoke exposure are even more pronounced for children, whose developing bodies are more susceptible to its harmful effects. Children exposed to SHS are at a higher risk for:

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Acute respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia
• More frequent and severe asthma attacks
• Ear infections, including chronic middle ear infections
• Reduced lung function and impaired lung development
• Increased risk of tooth decay and behavioral problems

These Effects of secondhand smoke underscore the critical need for smoke-free environments to protect vulnerable populations. Eliminating exposure to SHS is the only way to fully protect non-smokers from its harmful chemicals, safeguarding public health and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.