Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content

Secondhand Smoke


Collage image of four populations that are affected by secondhand smoke

Secondhand smoke exposure contributes to approximately 41,000 deaths among nonsmoking adults and 400 deaths in infants each year. Secondhand smoke causes stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, more severe asthma, respiratory symptoms, and slowed lung growth.

How Can We Protect Our Children From Secondhand Smoke

PROTECT CHILDREN BROCHURES

These four brochures contain information on the health dangers of secondhand smoke.

Mother giving child treatment for asthma

CHILDREN IN THE HOME

The main place young children are exposed to secondhand smoke is at home.

Businesse

PROTECTING WORKERS

Many U.S. workers continue to be involuntarily exposed to secondhand smoke in workplaces.

Related Materials

Fact Sheets

Surgeon General's Reports

Infographics

Related Links

Related Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports

  • Vital Signs: Disparities in Nonsmokers’ Exposure to Secondhand Smoke—United States, 1999–2012
    February 3, 2015 / Vol. 64 / Early Release
  • Prevalence of Smokefree Home Rules — United States, 1992–1993 and 2010–2011
    September 5, 2014 / Vol. 63 / No. 35

 


Multimedia

Top