Also known as second-hand tobacco smoke, environmental tobacco smoke can cause lung cancer in non-smokers and serious respiratory effects in children.
Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard causing close to 50,000 deaths per year. It can cause or exacerbate a wide range of adverse health effects, including lung cancer, respiratory infections, and asthma.
Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25 to 30 percent and lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent.
EPA report on passive smoke exposure
National Cancer Institute: second hand smoke and cancer
American Lung Association informational page on ETS
American Heart Association informational page on ETS
Quit Smoking Community -This group raises awareness of the consequences of smoking and helps communities become smoke-free