This report concludes that: (1) Many millions of Americans, both children and adults, are still exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes and workplaces despite substantial progress in tobacco control. (2) Secondhand smoke exposure causes disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke. (3) Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more severe asthma. Smoking by parents causes respiratory symptoms and slows lung growth in their children. (4) Exposure of adults to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and causes coronary heart disease and lung cancer. (5) The scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. (6) Eliminating smoking in indoor spaces fully protects nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke. Separating smokers from nonsmokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposures of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke.

Developed By: 

Developer Type: 

Healthy People 2020 Topic Area(s): 

Healthy People 2020 Objectives: 

Resource Type: 

Citation: 

Tags: 

Reduce Risk or Incidence of Disease or Condition, Public Health, Government & Policymakers, Healthcare, Environmental & Policy, Informational & Educational, Primary Prevention, Families & Households