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Tobacco Use: Secondhand Smoke


Smoke-free laws that completely ban smoking in indoor workplaces and public places are needed to protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke.

  • The only way to fully protect nonsmokers is to ban smoking in indoor places.
  • About 47% of Americans live under state or local laws that make workplaces, restaurants, and bars completely smoke-free. That means that more than 1 in 2 Americans still live in areas where they are not fully protected by smoke-free laws.
  • Physicians need to educate patients and parents about secondhand smoke dangers.

Exposure to Secondhand Smoke by Group


Graphic: This graph displays exposure to secondhand smoke by group. Black Americans aged 3 years and older = 56%. White Americans aged 3 years or older = 40%. Children aged 3 – 11 years = 54%. Adults aged 20 years or older = 37%. Persons living below poverty level = 61%. Persons living at or above poverty level = 37%. Click to view larger image.

Click on graph to view full details.

Millions of people in the US are exposed to secondhand smoke in homes, workplaces, public places, and vehicles. Black Americans, children (aged 3–11 years), and people living below the poverty level are heavily exposed.

Risks from Secondhand Smoke

Some of the toxic chemicals in smoke

Graphic: This image displays some of the toxic chemicals in smoke. Benzene found in gasoline. Butane used in lighter fluid. Ammonia used in household cleaners. Toluene found in paint thinners. Cadmium used in making batteries. Hydrogen cyanide used in chemical weapons. CLick to view larger image.

Click on graph to view full details.

 
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