Secondhand Smoke is Toxic

Secondhand smoke has more than 4,000 chemicals. Many of these chemicals are toxic and cause cancer. You breathe in these chemicals when you are around someone who is smoking.

Cancer-Causing Chemicals

All are extremely toxic.

Formaldehyde: Used to embalm dead bodies
Benzene: Found in gasoline
Polonium 210: Radioactive and very toxic
Vinyl chloride: Used to make pipes

Toxic Metals

Can cause cancer. Can cause death. Can damage the brain and kidneys.

Chromium: Used to make steel
Arsenic: Used in pesticides
Lead: Once used in paint
Cadmium: Used to make batteries

Poison Gases

Can cause death. Can affect heart and respiratory functions. Can burn your throat, lungs, and eyes. Can cause unconsciousness.

Carbon monoxide: Found in car exhaust
Hydrogen cyanide: Used in chemical weapons
Ammonia: Used in household cleaners
Butane: Used in lighter fluid
Toluene: Found in paint thinners

Secondhand smoke

It hurts you. It doesn’t take much. It doesn’t take long.