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)

  1. Secondhand Smoke
  2. Thirdhand Smoke
  3. Clean Air Act
  4. Tobacco & Radon
  5. Technical Assistance

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.