It is also called secondhand smoke. We now know that such secondhand smoke is unsafe. People who don't smoke but live or work with smokers are more likely to develop lung cancer than other nonsmokers. In fact, each year an estimated 3,000 people who don't smoke die of lung cancer because of secondhand smoke. It has also been linked to heart disease in nonsmokers.
Passive smoking is very dangerous for someone with asthma, other lung conditions, or heart disease.
It may cause bronchitis, pneumonia, an asthma attack, or inner ear infections in babies and young children. These problems are just some good reasons for a parent or grandparent to think about quitting smoking. Everyone should try not to smoke around young children or infants. Where To Get Help Organizations, doctors, and clinics offering stop-smoking programs are listed in telephone books under headings such as Smokers' Treatment and Information Centers. Further information can be obtained from organizations such as the following.