HAZARDS OF SECONDHAND SMOKE

What is secondhand smoke?
We all hear about the dangers of smoking cigarettes, but did you know that nonsmokers are in danger too? Know your facts before secondhand smokes you or someone you love.

Secondhand smoke is composed of sidestream smoke (the smoke released from the burning end of a cigarette) and exhaled mainstream smoke (the smoke exhaled by the smoker). 34

No amount of secondhand smoke is safe.34

The ingredients

Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds, including 50 cancer-causing chemicals.1  The poisons in cigarette smoke include carbon monoxide, found in combustion fumes produced by cars and trucks, and hydrogen cyanide, a colorless gas that causes neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular problems.4

The cancer-causing carcinogens in cigarette smoke include benzo(a)pyrene and NNK, which cause lung cancer; nitrosamines, which cause cancer of the lung, esophagus, oral cavity, and other organs;11, 12  aromatic amines, which cause bladder and breast cancer; 13, 14  formaldehyde, which is associated with nasal cancer; 15  and benzene, which causes at least one type of leukemia.16

Last Updated: 07.09.2007

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This Web site contains information on the revised Clean Indoor Air Act (RCW 70.160). It is not legal advice. This information cannot be considered as a substitute for legal advice from and representation by a qualified attorney.

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