Everyone around second-hand smoke, including the smoker, is at risk. Exposure to second-hand smoke is estimated to cause about 330 deaths annually in Canada. Many people have allergies, asthma or other health problems which can be aggravated by second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Children, especially infants, who breathe second-hand smoke at home have more ear infections, colds, bronchitis, asthma and other breathing problems.
Children look up to the adults they live with.
If they see adults smoking, they are more likely to take up smoking, too. A Canadian study shows that youth living with one or two adults who smoke are about twice as likely to become regular smokers as youth from smoke-free homes. Few people begin smoking after the age of 19. The good news is that smokers can quit. In many cases, the damage done by tobacco can be reversed.