LOOKING AT MOTIVATION: Who cares about secondhand smoke?
Exposure to secondhand smoke (passive smoking) has been shown to increase health risks among nonsmokers, similar to those of a light smoker. Here are some things that are linked to secondhand smoke:
FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
Miscarriage
Premature delivery
Low birth weight (underdeveloped babies)
In utero exposure resulting in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) after birth
FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Respiratory-tract infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia
Chronic infections and fluid in the middle ear
Frequent sore throats, stuffy noses, hoarseness, and trouble getting over colds
Chronic cough or increased phlegm
Asthma
FOR ADULTS
Cough, sore throat
Allergies
Asthma attacks
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Stroke
Heart disease
Lung cancer
SEE THE HELPLINE FACT SHEET: Secondhand Smoke
