Toxic Air Everywhere
Exposure to secondhand smoke in public places continues to be a threat, even with efforts to reduce it. Many public spaces that you may not even think of as harmful can put you at risk, such as building entrances or community parks.1 In fact, exposure to secondhand smoke can damage arteries.2
When you see someone smoking, or if you smell smoke, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to get as far away as possible. And if you’re going to smoke, do it away from others. The only way to completely avoid the negative health effects of secondhand smoke is to live smoke-free.
Secondhand Smoke in Public
Who is at Risk?
Everyone.3
Where are They Exposed?
Anywhere that smoking occurs.3
How Does it Happen?
- While most exposure to secondhand smoke occurs at home and at work, it also continues to happen outside of restaurants and bars, and in casinos and in peoples’ cars.3
- There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. When it comes to your health, there is no safe distance away from exposure.1
Even when you try to do things like separate smokers from nonsmokers, open windows or ventilate buildings, it does not get rid of your exposure to secondhand smoke.3
What You Can Do
Everyone breathes the same air and we all deserve to have clean access to it. Join the social media conversation by posting about the dangers of secondhand smoke using #secondhandsmoke#firsthandthreat. Other ways to be proactive include:
