,,,Secondhand Smoke
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There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke.
Even a small amount is harmful.
There are more than 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke. Hundreds of these chemicals are toxic and about 70 are known to cause cancer.
About 30% of non-smoking CT adults and 38% of youth were recently exposed to SHS in a public places. Second Hand Smoke Exposure in Connecticut - 2014 (pdf)
What is Secondhand Smoke?
Smoke from the end of a burning cigarette, cigar, pipe or similar device, as well as smoke exhaled from a smoker’s mouth. Secondhand smoke (SHS) is also referred to as Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS).
What is in second and thirdhand smoke?
Arsenic (rat poison) Cadmium (chemical in batteries) Vinyl chloride (found in PVC pipe) Hydrogen cyanide (chemical weapon) Nicotine (addictive drug and pesticide) Methanol (rocket fuel) Ammonia (cleaner) Nickel (metal in batteries) |
Carbon Monoxide (car exhaust) Mercury (liquid metal) Formaldehyde (embalming fluid) Acetone (nail polish remover) Toluene (paint thinner) Butane (lighter fluid) Lead (metal used in buildings) Polonium (radioactive element) |
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Secondhand smoke damages the lining of blood vessels and causes blood platelets to become stickier which can cause blockages that can lead to heart attacks.
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People who already have heart disease are at especially high risk of suffering adverse effects from breathing secondhand smoke and should take special precautions to avoid even brief exposures.
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Breathing secondhand smoke can cause lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis, especially in children.
- Other breathing problems include coughing, mucus, chest discomfort, and reduced lung function.
- Breathing secondhand smoke increases the number and severity of asthma attacks.
Smoke Free Environments
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Links:
Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Surgeon General Report on Second Hand Smoke Exposure
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Smoking Health