Second-hand smoke
Second-hand smoke is created when someone who is smoking a cigarette exhales from their nose or mouth. It also comes directly from cigarettes or other tobacco products when they are burned.
Breathing in any amount of second-hand smoke can harm your health. It can lead to serious health problems like:
- cancer
- heart disease
- lower respiratory infections
- asthma
- lung cancer
Second-hand smoke is especially harmful to children. It puts them at higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other serious health issues including middle ear infections, tonsillitis, obesity, and breathing problems during sleep.
It is also very harmful for pets to breathe in second-hand smoke. It puts them at much higher risk of lung disease and certain cancers like lymphoma, lung cancer, and nasal (nose) cancer.
Second-hand aerosol
Second-hand aerosol is created when someone who is vaping (using an e-cigarette) exhales from their nose or mouth.
Breathing in second-hand aerosol is not as harmful as breathing in second-hand smoke, but it does have risks. Aerosol is not water vapour—it contains nicotine and other chemicals that could be harmful.
We are still learning about the long-term effects of aerosol. Studies show that people who don't vape but who breathe in second-hand aerosol have cancer-causing chemicals in their urine (pee).
Second-hand smoke and aerosol from cannabis
Breathing in cannabis smoke and aerosol can also affect the health of people who don't use cannabis.
Cannabis smoke has some of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke and can damage the lungs. Early research shows that children who live in homes with indoor cannabis smoking may have higher risks for health problems.
The aerosol from vaping cannabis contains harmful chemicals that may cause cancer.
Third-hand smoke and aerosol
Third-hand smoke and aerosol are the toxic residues that settle on surfaces after someone smokes or vapes. Indoors, these residues stick to surfaces like windows, walls, and floors. They can cling to wood, dust, and metal. Third-hand smoke and aerosol can linger for a long time—from minutes to months.
Exposure to third-hand smoke happens when you swallow, breathe in, or absorb the residue through your skin. Exposure may cause DNA damage and increase your risk of health problems like asthma and cancer.
Third-hand smoke is especially dangerous for young children, because they often touch surfaces and put their hands in their mouths.
Reducing the harm
You can reduce harm from second-hand and third-hand smoke by creating “clean air spaces.” This means no one smokes or vapes in your home or vehicle. Clean air spaces are good for everyone.
In Alberta, it's illegal to smoke or vape in a vehicle with a child passenger (under 18). Opening the window isn't enough. This can send smoke or aerosol into the backseat, where the child is sitting.
Try these other ideas to keep your home and vehicle free of smoke and aerosol:
- Smoke or vape outside your home and vehicle. Stay away from air intakes like open windows, doorways, garages, and furnace or exhaust vents.
- Wear a jacket when you smoke or vape outside and keep the jacket away from other clothing. Wash your hands and face to remove smoke and vape residue on your skin. This is especially important to protect anyone you cuddle or hold close.
- Wash indoor surfaces, carpets, and fabrics thoroughly with soap and water. Consider replacing items that can't be cleaned (like mattresses) and giving your walls a fresh coat of paint.
- Let family and friends know that your home and vehicle are clean air spaces. Ask them to support your decision to reduce harm.
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