Overview
Second-hand smoke comes from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe and the smoke that a smoker exhales. The smoke contains nicotine and many other harmful chemicals. Breathing second-hand smoke can cause or worsen health problems including cancer, asthma, coronary artery disease, and respiratory infections. It can make your eyes and nose burn and cause a sore throat.
Second-hand smoke is especially bad for babies and young children whose lungs are still developing. Children who breathe second-hand smoke are more likely to have ear infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis in the first few years of their lives. Second-hand smoke can make asthma symptoms worse in children.
If you are pregnant, it is important that you not smoke and that you avoid second-hand smoke. You are more likely to give birth to a baby who weighs less than expected (low birth weight) if you smoke. And your baby may have a greater risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies whose mothers are exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy have a higher risk for health problems.
Second-hand aerosol from vapes does not contain as much nicotine and other harmful chemicals as second-hand tobacco smoke does. But there is a concern about possible health risks from second-hand aerosol exposure.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
