Secondhand smoke (SHS) is the combination of smoke from a burning cigarette and smoke exhaled by smokers. It is also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Composition
Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including:
- 70+ known carcinogens: Benzene, formaldehyde, naphthalene, benzene
- Toxic gases: Carbon monoxide, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide
- Heavy metals: Arsenic, lead, cadmium
- Nicotine: Even non-smokers absorb measurable nicotine from SHS [1][2]
Health Effects on Adults
Cardiovascular Disease
- Increases risk of heart attack by 25-30%
- Raises risk of stroke by 20-30%
- Causes immediate damage to blood vessels
- Even brief exposure (minutes to hours) can trigger cardiac events [1][3]
Cancer
- Secondhand smoke is a known human carcinogen (EPA, 1993)
- Linked to lung cancer in non-smoking adults
- Associated with cancers of the: cervix, breast, bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach [1][4]
Respiratory Problems
- Triggers asthma attacks
- Causes chronic bronchitis
- Reduces lung function [1]
Health Effects on Children
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases SIDS risk 2-3x
- Postnatal secondhand smoke exposure also increases risk [5]
Respiratory Infections
- 300,000-400,000 cases annually in the U.S. attributable to SHS
- Increased risk of: bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections [1][5]
Asthma
- Triggers asthma attacks in children
- Causes new cases of asthma in previously healthy children
- Over 200,000 childhood asthma cases linked to SHS [1][5]
Developmental Issues
- Reduced lung function
- Increased risk of middle ear infections
- Potential for behavioral problems [5]
Economic Impact
- Annual cost of secondhand smoke-related healthcare: ~$10 billion in the U.S.
- Lost productivity: additional billions [6]
Prevention
Indoor Air Standards
- No ventilation system can eliminate SHS risk
- Only 100% smoke-free policies provide protection
- Many countries have enacted indoor smoking bans [7]
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)
- Article 8 requires parties to protect against SHS
- Most developed countries have enacted smoke-free laws [7]
See Also
See Also
References
[1] CDC - Secondhand Smoke Facts
[2] Surgeon General - The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke
[3] American Heart Association - Secondhand Smoke and Heart Disease
[4] National Cancer Institute - Secondhand Smoke and Cancer
[5] AAP - Protecting Children from Secondhand Smoke
[6] Tobacco-Free Kids - Economic Costs of Secondhand Smoke
[7] WHO - Framework Convention on Tobacco Control - Article 8
See Also