FOR MORE INFORMATON:
healthychildren.org: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
cdc.gov: About Secondhand Smoke
cancer.org: Health Problems Caused By Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand Smoke
What is secondhand smoke?
• There are two parts to secondhand smoke.
• 1) Side stream smoke-the smoke burning from the end of a cigarette.
• 2) Exhaled main stream smoke-the smoke exhaled by the smoker.
• It has many poisonous gases and chemicals:
○ Hydrogen cyanide – used in chemical weapons
○ Carbon monoxide – found in car exhaust
○ Butane – used in lighter fluid
○ Ammonia – used in household cleaners
○ Toluene – found in paint thinners
• Cigarettes, E-cigarettes, and vapes all cause secondhand smoke.
Secondhand smoke comes from:
• homes
• public places
• inside of motor vehicles
If you or a family member is exposed to secondhand smoke:
• Get up and leave the area.
• Only go to places that are smoke‐free.
Secondhand smoke causes health problems:
• It is a cancer causing agent.
• It can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and breathing problems.
• Children are at higher risk of breathing problems because their lungs are still developing.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the chance that children will suffer from:
○ Coughs and wheezing
○ Asthma
○ Eye and ear problems
○ Pneumonia
○ Fatal respiratory infections
○ Sudden infant death
How do I protect my child from secondhand smoke exposure?
• The Surgeon General has concluded that the only way to fully protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of secondhand smoke is through 100% smoke‐free environments.
• If you are a smoker, protect your family by quitting – ask your pediatrician for help
• If you are not able to quit, make your home and vehicles smoke-free and only smoke outside.
• Remember that e-cigarettes and vapes are not safe alternatives.
Do you have questions about secondhand smoke?
Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk live with our staff Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for answers to your questions.