Anyone exposed to secondhand smoke inhales these substances. Will cause an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths this year. Can be a direct health threat to people who already have heart and lung diseases. Increases the risk of serious lung disease during the first two years of a child's life. If you have asthma, secondhand smoke can make your breathing problems worse.
Young children are especially sensitive to secondhand smoke.
A baby who lives in a home where one or both parents smoke is more likely to have lung disease serious enough to need treatment in a hospital during the first two years of life. Children exposed to secondhand smoke in the home are more likely to cough and wheeze and to have middle ear problems. Don't allow smoking in your home. Ask smokers to smoke outside or, if you must, limit smoking to a separately ventilated room. Help the smoker to quit.