INFORMATION FOR SMOKERS

If you smoke, chances are you already know that smoking is harmful. But did you know that your smoke is bad for the people who are physically close to you as well? When nonsmokers breathe in secondhand smoke, they are breathing in harmful or even deadly toxins.

In fact, the toxins can be deadly.

There are more than 4,000 chemicals in secondhand smoke, 50 of which are known to cause cancer in humans.1 In fact, about 38,000 nonsmokers in the United States die each year as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.4

Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are among the most seriously affected. When exposed to secondhand smoke, children are more likely to have reduced lung function, pneumonia, bronchitis, and symptoms of respiratory irritation like coughing, excess phlegm, and wheezing. 1

The good news is that there are powerful things you can do to protect your children and other people who are close to you from exposure to your secondhand smoke.

Last Updated: 04.25.2007

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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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