Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is a combination of smoke coming off of the burning end of a cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker. Containing the same carcinogens and toxins inhaled by smokers, secondhand smoke is dangerous to nonsmokers. The body's first reaction when inhaling irritants is to cough. Since nonsmokers are not directly sensitive to inhaling the heat and irritation of a burning cigarette, secondhand smoke is inhaled deeply into the lungs. Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death.

Exposure to SHS has been demonstrated to cause emphysema, coronary heart disease, and lung and other cancers in nonsmokers. smelling secondhand smoke Citing research showing a 68% increased risk of breast cancer among primarily pre menopausal women, the California EPA has classified SHS as a Toxic Air Contaminant, both inside buildings and out.

In 2006, Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona stated unequivocally that, "there is no safe exposure to secondhand smoke."

"The health effects of secondhand smoke exposure are more pervasive than we previously thought. The scientific evidence is now indisputable: secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance. It is a serious health hazard that can lead to disease and premature death in children and nonsmoking adults. Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 cancer-causing chemicals, and is itself a known human carcinogen. Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke inhale many of the same toxins as smokers. Even brief exposure to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and increases risk for heart disease and lung cancer, the report says. In addition, the report notes that because the bodies of infants and children are still developing, they are especially vulnerable to the poisons in secondhand smoke." -US Surgeon General's Report 2006

Dr. Jim Bergman from the Smoke Free Law Project speaks about the stages of truth in public health. Science is at first denied, then ridiculed, then gradually accepted as measures proved evident, and then, finally, taken for granted. The same way hand washing and clean water prevented disease one hundred years ago so will challenging tobacco. Smoke free air protects nonsmokers, helps smokers quit, and is the example to youth that tobacco smoke is always dangerous.

TFMC is honored with UAMS Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dr. K. H. Ginzel's, permission to post his 2005 SHS fact sheet. Dr. Ginzel's perspective involves over 50 years as a scientist, physician, and advocate for the public health. Please see the facts about secondhand smoke.