Many of these chemicals also appear in processed tobacco. This makes ETS the third leading cause of death, behind only active smoking and alcohol. Each year, about 3,000 nonsmoking adults die of lung cancer as a result of breathing the smoke of others cigarettes. ETS also causes other respiratory problems in non-smokers, including coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, and reduced lung function. These infections result in 7,500 to 15,000 hospitalizations every year.
Involuntary smoking causes disease, including lung cancer, in healthy non-smokers.
Over the next 45 years, smoke-free workplaces could prevent over 32,000 cancer deaths and over 75,000 heart disease deaths. Workplace smoking restrictions may also serve as an encouragement for smokers who wish to quit smoking or reduce their consumption of tobacco products. Public places - Everyone is vulnerable to ETS exposure in public places, such as restaurants, shopping centers, public transportation, schools and daycare centers. Although some businesses are reluctant to ban smoking, there is no credible evidence that going smoke-free is bad for business. Public places where children go are a special area of concern.