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Smoke

What about smoke? Should I think of this as a danger?

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or second-hand smoke contains over 4,000 compounds—more than 40 of which are known to cause cancer. Studies have shown that second-hand smoke can cause lung cancer in healthy adults who do not smoke. Children of parents who smoke are more likely to suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, asthma, and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). To help protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke:

  • Don't smoke at home or allow others to do so. Ask smokers to smoke outdoors.
  • If smoking indoors cannot be avoided, open windows. Or use exhaust fans to keep as much smoke out of your home as you can. This will help reduce, but not completely get rid of, second-hand smoke.
  • Don't smoke around children, especially infants and toddlers.