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Second-hand Smoke/Smoke-free Spaces
Second-hand smoke affects everyone. Those most at risk are babies, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses. Each year more than 1,000 non-smoking Canadians die from second-hand smoke.
Second-hand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke, contains more than 4,000 chemicals. Exposure to second-hand smoke causes many health problems, ranging from throat irritations to chest infections and lung cancer.
There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke, even outdoors. Second-hand smoke can remain in the air, on clothes, carpet, furniture and children’s toys long after the cigarette is out. Second-hand smoke is not removed by opening a window, turning on a fan, smoking in another room, or using an air purifier.
Protect yourself from second-hand smoke.
Make your home and car smoke-free:
- If you smoke, decide to smoke outside your home and car. Be sure your children are safe when you go outside to smoke.
- Invite your family (including children) to help you develop a plan to create a smoke free environment.
- Post signs to let people know your home and car are smoke-free.
- Remove ashtrays from your home and car.
- Ask smokers who visit to smoke outside. You could provide a comfortable spot with a chair, some shelter and an ashtray.
- Think about quitting…it is the best thing you can do to help your children stay smoke-free.
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