Secondhand smoke harms children and adults. There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure; even brief exposure can be harmful to health. Since 1964, approximately 2,500,000 nonsmokers have died from health problems caused by exposure to secondhand smoke. However, the only way to fully protect nonsmokers is to eliminate smoking in all homes, worksites, and public places. 

Moreover, separating smokers from nonsmokers, opening windows, or using air filters does not prevent people from breathing secondhand smoke. People are exposed to secondhand smoke in various ways such as in homes, worksites, public places—such as in apartments, restaurants, bars, and casinos—as well as in cars and other vehicles.

What You Can Do:

You can take steps to protect yourself and your family from secondhand smoke by:

  • Quitting smoking if you are not already a nonsmoker.
  • Not allowing anyone to smoke anywhere in or near your home.
  • Not allowing anyone to smoke in your car, even with the windows down.
  • Making sure your children’s daycare center and schools are tobacco-free.
  • Seeking out places that do not allow smoking. 
  • Teaching your children to stay away from secondhand smoke
  • Being a good role model by not smoking or using any other type of tobacco.

Sieda Behavioral Health and Treatment Services are available to help.

Lisa McConnell
Tobacco Prevention Specialist
Behavioral Health and Treatment Services
Sieda Community Action
641-683-6747