Smoke from the burning end of a cigarette has more harmful chemicals in it than the smoke inhaled directly by the person who is smoking it. There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
Infants and children are particularly at risk to the effects of second-hand smoke. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are at greater risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma.
Exposure to second-hand smoke can increase your risk of:
Create a smoke-free home and smoke-free car to protect yourself, your family members and visitors from exposure to second-hand smoke. Over 70% of Ontario households ask family members and visitors to go outside to smoke. Smoke-free areas in your daily life can also be a step towards quitting tobacco for good. Talk about it with your family, take the steps to making your home smoke-free.
Second-hand smoke is even more dangerous inside a small space like your car. Harmful carbon monoxide is more concentrated in a small space and this can affect a driver’s ability to stay alert. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking in a car with children under the age of 16.