Secondhand Smoke Is No Joke

Most people know that smoking is hazardous to your health, but fewer may realize that simply being exposed to tobacco smoke can dramatically impact your well-being.

Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke, is a combination of the smoke from burning tobacco and the smoke exhaled by a person using tobacco. It contains the same nicotine and chemicals that are so harmful to smokers, and it has been shown to increase the risk of cancer and heart disease for individuals who are exposed to it, even if they don't smoke themselves. Worse, it contributes to lung infections, asthma, and other serious health issues in children, many of whom breathe high levels of secondhand smoke at home.

Being around cigarette smoke is more than a nuisance—it's a health risk. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. If you know someone who smokes, encourage them to quit. If you smoke, there are many resources available that can help you kick the habit for good. Visit cancer.org/smokeout or call us at 1-800-227-2345.

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