Secondhand & Thirdhand Smoke
Anyone who is exposed to smoke in their environment can develop serious, even deadly health conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since 1964, about 2,500,000 people who do not smoke have died from health problems caused by secondhand smoke exposure. Learn more about why going smoke free matters (JPG)
Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke comes from burning or heating tobacco through a cigarette, cigar, pipe, hookah or electronic cigarette. It also comes from the air a smoker exhales while smoking. Electronic cigarettes also emit an aerosol that can be inhaled by bystanders. Learn more about types of smoke exposure (PDF) and impact of secondhand smoke.
Nonsmoking adults can suffer from health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and lung cancer if they are exposed to smoke. Consequences of secondhand smoke exposure for children is of great concern and a cause of respiratory problems, ear infections, asthma attacks and a greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). When you enter a space that someone has smoked in, even if they are not actively smoking you and your children are being exposed to thirdhand smoke.
Thirdhand Smoke
Thirdhand smoke is the smoke that clings to and is absorbed by carpets, walls, furniture, clothing, cars, hair, skin and any object (toys, etc.). This contamination builds up over time and does not go away. Learn more about thirdhand smoke and how you can be exposed (PDF).
You can protect your family by keeping all of your spaces smoke-free. Whether it is your home, car or place of business, there are resources to help you make changes. If you or someone you know needs support to quit smoking or using other tobacco products, the Kansas Tobacco Quitline is a free resource for all Kansans.
Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act
Going smoke free matters (JPG). The Indoor Clean Air Act prohibits smoking in most indoor spaces in Kansas, with a few exceptions. You can learn more about this state policy by visiting the Kansas Smoke-Free website. You can help expand and improve local protections from second and thirdhand smoke exposure by finding out what additional policies your county or city has adopted, such as Smoke Free Parks.
Tobacco and Radon
Radon and smoking are dangerous and become more harmful together. Why? Both radon and tobacco smoke create carcinogens, which are substances capable of causing cancer. They stick to each other in the air and enter your lungs when you inhale. The risk of developing radon-induced lung cancer is increased for everyone in the home.
Smokers are at the highest risk – radon and smoking combine to increase the risk of lung cancer by eight times in smokers compared to those who have never smoked.
Learn more about how to find out if your home has radon and how it can be fixed at the Kansas Radon Program.
You can protect your family by keeping your spaces tobacco-free. There are resources to help you make changes at home or at work. One example is the Kansas Tobacco Quitline, a free resource for all Kansans. If you or someone you know needs support to quit smoking or using other tobacco products, the Tobacco Quitline has 24/7 help available.
We Are Here to Help
Our staff is here to provide technical assistance to any Kansan that is interested in protecting their communities from second and thirdhand smoke. If you have a question or need help email Carol.