The report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, notes that there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure and that even brief secondhand smoke exposure can cause immediate harm. The report’s findings are a major public health concern because almost 50% of all nonsmoking Americans are still regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.
“The health effects of secondhand smoke exposure are more pervasive than we previously thought,” said Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, vice admiral of the US Public Health Service. “The scientific evidence is now indisputable: secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance. It is a serious health hazard that can lead to disease and premature death in children and nonsmoking adults.” Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 cancer-causing chemicals, and is itself a known human carcinogen. Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke inhale many of the same toxins as smokers. Even brief exposure to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and increases risk for heart disease and lung cancer. Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25% to 30% and lung cancer by 20% to 30%. Children and infants are at special risk because of their still developing bodies.
“The good news is that, unlike some public health hazards, secondhand smoke exposure is easily prevented,” Surgeon General Carmona said. “Smoke-free indoor environments are proven, simple approaches that prevent exposure and harm.” The report finds that even the most sophisticated ventilation systems cannot completely eliminate secondhand smoke exposure and that only smoke-free environments afford full protection.
