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 such as cancer, asthma, coronary artery disease, and respiratory infections. It can make a child's eyes and nose burn. And it can 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.

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.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke in your home. If people must smoke, ask them to go outside.
• If people do smoke in your home, choose a room where you can open a window or use a fan to get the smoke outside.
• Do not let anyone smoke in your car. If someone must smoke, pull over in a safe place and let them smoke away from the car.
• Help your family and friends who smoke to quit by encouraging them to try. Tell them about treatment resources. Having support from others often helps.
• If you smoke, quit. Quitting is hard, but there are ways to boost your chance of quitting tobacco for good.
  • Use nicotine replacement such as gum, patches, or lozenges. Call a quitline. Ask your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines.
  • Keep trying.