In 1990, it was determined that 20 percent of all deaths in the United States could be attributed to smoking. In 1985 health journalist Jacob Sullum determined that 87 percent of people dying of lung cancer had been long-time smokers during their lives. Most cancers caused by cigarette smoke are at increased rates among regular cigar smokers as well. Sadly, smokers are not the only ones affected by their deadly habit. Those around them are also put at risk when they light up.
Secondhand smoke contains oxides of nitrogen, nicotine, carbon monoxide and a number of carcinogens.
Environmental tobacco smoke pollutes the air and has invited public concern as an environmental and a health hazard. In the 1980s, health researchers Joseph DiFranza and Robert Lew showed approximately 70 percent of children in the U.S. were exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes by at least one adult smoker. A list of carcinogens. According to health expert Allen Brandt, this has subjected public smoking to a range of federal regulatory requirements. Thus, the effects of smoking are seen as far-reaching.