WHAT IS SECOND-HAND SMOKE?

• Second-hand smoke consists of mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke. Mainstream smoke is the smoke that a smoker breathes into their lungs and then into the air. Sidestream smoke is the smoke which comes from a burning end of a cigarette between puffs. (Canadian Cancer Society: Growing Up IN Smoke brochure)
• Second-hand Smoke is a mix of more than 4000 chemicals, more than 50 of which are known to cause cancer. Only 5-8% of cigarette output is visible. Most of the toxic chemicals are in an invisible gas form. Six of the most toxic, deadly chemicals include benzene (cancer-causing chemical), hydrogen cyanide (deadly gas), formaldehyde (embalming fluid), carbon monoxide (car exhaust), tar, and nicotine.
• Children of parents who smoke are twice as likely to become smokers as children of parents who do not smoke.
• Exposure to second-hand smoke is associated with ear infections, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. (Lung Assoc. website)

"I don't Smoke. Cigarette smoke can't hurt me!"
This is a myth. Do not deceive yourself and your children into believing this dangerous health myth.

Second-hand smoke can and will harm you and those around you.