The Risks of Second Hand Smoke
Because secondhand smoke can cause cancer, heart disease and other illnesses in people who don’t smoke, your partner, your children, other family members or friends who breathe your smoke are at risk. In addition, children who are exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to experience sudden infant death syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, asthma and other respiratory problems.
To protect children and other vulnerable individuals, houses and apartment buildings should be smoke free. Smoking in another room like a bathroom or bedroom can still spread secondhand smoke through the air in your home, even if someone opens a window, uses an air purifier or a fan. In an apartment building, secondhand smoke can go in between apartments. The best way to protect your loved ones from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke is to quit tobacco use and implement tobacco free rules in the home.