Secondhand smoke

Secondhand smoke (also known as environmental tobacco smoke, ETS, passive smoke, or involuntary smoke) is the smoke that fills enclosed spaces when people burn tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. This smoke is a mixture of the smoke exhaled by the smoker (mainstream smoke) and the smoke directly released from the tobacco product (sidestream smoke).

Health effects

Exposure to secondhand smoke has been linked to numerous health problems in both adults and children, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections. It is classified as a "known human carcinogen" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. National Toxicology Program, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization.

Exposure

Secondhand smoke exposure can occur in homes, workplaces, vehicles, and public places such as bars, restaurants, and recreational settings. In addition, secondhand smoke can infiltrate into other units in multi-unit housing through hallways, stairwells, ventilation systems, and electrical outlets.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent exposure to secondhand smoke is to not allow smoking in your home or car, and to avoid places where smoking is allowed. Many communities, states, and countries have laws prohibiting smoking in public places and workplaces.

See also

• Tobacco smoking
• Health effects of tobacco
• Smoking ban

Secondhand smoke Resources
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