Secondhand Smoke
What is it, and why is it so dangerous for children?
Secondhand smoke is the combination of the smoke released from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar or pipe, and the smoke exhaled by the person who is smoking.
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Secondhand Smoke and vehicles: What you need to know.
Smoking in a small space, like a car, produces dangerous levels of secondhand smoke (containing nicotine and other harmful chemicals) in a short amount of time.
Read more | Watch a video with the facts about smoking in cars
Click Here to visit New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Asthma Control Program web site.
Eight Things You Should Know About Secondhand Smoke
- One of every 8 people that dies of a tobacco related illness is a non-smoker.
- Smoke from the burning end of a cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals, 40 of them are known to cause cancer.
- Children exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) have an increased risk of developing respiratory tract infections, ear infections and asthma.
- On average, children in NH make 1,737 Emergency Department visits for asthma related symptoms and 12,523 visits for respiratory tract infections annually.
- In NH about ½ of Middle School and ¾ of High School students surveyed, report exposure to SHS.
- Smoking in a small space, like a car, produces dangerous levels of secondhand smoke in a short amount of time. Having an open window or running the air conditioner does not clear the air.
- Tobacco smoke leaves behind solid particles on furniture, drapes and carpets. You can keep your children and pets safe from these particles by smoking outside.
- Even if you smoke, you can protect those around you from secondhand smoke.
