Homes, Cars and Parks
First things first: what is secondhand smoke?
Technically speaking, secondhand smoke is composed of side-stream smoke (the smoke released from the burning end of a cigarette) and exhaled mainstream smoke (the smoke exhaled by a smoker.) footnote 1
Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds, including more than 50 known to cause cancer. Below are just a few of the chemicals contained in secondhand smoke and some of their common uses: footnote 1
| Chemical | Common Use | |
|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde | - | Used to embalm dead bodies |
| Benzene | - | Used in gasoline |
| Hydrogen Cyanide | - | Used in chemical weapons |
| Cadmium | - | Used in making batteries |
| Arsenic | - | Used in pesticides |
Each year in the United States, about 3,400 lung cancer deaths and more than 22,000 heart disease deaths occur because of secondhand smoke. In fact, a non-smoker’s health is affected every time that he or she is exposed to secondhand smoke. Consider the following facts:
- Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke on a regular basis can develop hardening of the arteries 20 percent faster than people not regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.footnote 2
- Only 30 minutes of secondhand smoke exposure causes artery changes similar to that of regular smokers. This exposure can reduce the ability of arteries close to the heart to expand, which reduces the ability of the heart to receive life-giving blood.footnote 3
- Nonsmokers can also experience respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, coughing, phlegm, and chest discomfort as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.footnote 1
- Exposure to secondhand smoke causes irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.footnote 1
Continue exploring this section to learn more about the health effects of secondhand smoke in homes, cars and parks.
Download Facts about Secondhand Smoke.
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Last Updated: 07/10/08
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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