- At least 38,000 to 65,000 deaths annually in the U.S. result from secondhand smoke-caused diseases.
- Thousands more people suffer from chronic and debilitating conditions caused by these diseases, including the effects of emphysema, cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis, and asthma.
- Secondhand smoke causes lung and other cancers, and heart disease.
- Secondhand smoke causes or exacerbates respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, especially in infants, children and older persons.
- Secondhand smoke causes increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome and middle ear infections in children.
- Secondhand smoke is a major health threat to persons with asthma — sometimes fatal.
- Secondhand smoke cannot be controlled by ventilation, air cleaning or the separation of smokers from non-smokers. The only solution to this problem is to make buildings smoke-free.
- Indoor tobacco smoke leaves behind a residue called “third hand smoke,” which is particularly dangerous to young children. The residue clings to carpets, upholstery, and smokers themselves, and can contain heavy metals, carcinogens, radioactive materials, and other toxins. Children are especially susceptible to third hand smoke because they absorb or ingest this residue when playing on the floor or upholstery. Please see this New York Times article about Third Hand Smoke.