Second-hand smoke is dangerous

Many of us breathe in second-hand smoke – whether we’re aware of it or not – in public places, around doorways of buildings and at work. Second-hand smoke has the same chemicals in it as the tobacco smoke breathed in by a smoker. So if you’re sitting beside someone who’s smoking, you and everyone else around you are smoking too.

Second-hand smoke and cancer

Being around second-hand smoke can put you at more risk of developing lung cancer. It can also increase your risk of cancers of the larynx and pharynx.

Hundreds of the chemicals in second-hand smoke are toxic, and more than 50 of them can cause cancer. Every year, about 1,000 Canadians who don’t smoke die from second-hand smoke.

What is second-hand smoke?

Second-hand smoke is what smokers breathe out. They breathe smoke into their lungs, but then they breathe it out into the air around you. And the smoke from a burning cigarette, pipe or cigar – that’s second-hand smoke too.

Third-hand smoke – what’s that?

Every time a person smokes in your home, the toxic chemicals from second-hand smoke travel through the air and land on your carpet, furniture, curtains and clothing. They even land on any dust that’s in your home. These chemicals stay around after the cigarette is out – this is called third-hand smoke.

If you smoke inside your car, it gets coated in third-hand smoke too.

Second-hand smoke makes you sick

No amount of second-hand smoke is safe. It’s not only a cancer risk – it can affect your heart too. You’re at a higher risk for heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.

Second-hand smoke also makes you more congested and cough more. It can irritate your skin, eyes, nose and throat. And if you have allergies or breathing problems (like asthma), second-hand smoke can make them worse.

Research also shows that there may be a link between second-hand smoke and breast cancer risk.

Last modified on: 13 December 2011