Secondhand Smoke (SHS)

Any exposure is harmful - there is no safe level of exposure

DID YOU KNOW?
Secondhand smoke contains the same toxic chemicals as firsthand smoke
Among the 7,000 chemicals identified in secondhand tobacco smoke, at least 250 are known to be harmful and at least 70 may cause cancer. Here are just a few examples:
	Butane, used in lighter fluid Benzene, found in gasoline Acetone, used in finger nail polish remover Ammonia, used in toilet cleaner
Secondhand smoke hurts babies and children
Tobacco smoke can hurt the baby during pregnancy and after birth.
	Babies may be born too early or with low birth weight. There is a higher chance of miscarriage. Newborns who breathe SHS open their eyes less and are at a higher risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Before age 10, children’s bodies are not fully grown. They have a hard time fighting the effects of SHS.
	SHS causes bronchitis, pneumonia and worsens asthma in children. SHS increases ear infections, which can lead to damage of the middle ear.

Resources

Poster (11x17)

15 Things You Should Know About Secondhand Smoke

Brochure

References

 

Sponsored by Gulfcoast South AHEC and the State of Florida, Department of Health.

  

If You Smoke…   

Maintain a smoke-free house and car for your children’s health.

Opening a window does not protect your children from smoke.

Never smoke around children or pregnant women.

Smoke in open areas away from other people, doors and windows.

Don’t let a cigarette sit and burn.

Chemicals from SHS stay in the air even after the smoke is gone.

Consider quitting.

Quit Smoking Class Schedule   Xenia Rosado-Merced Tobacco Cessation Specialist Karla Brody, MSSW Tobacco Cessation Specialist