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Surgeon General's Report
The U.S. Surgeon General issues a national report on secondhand smoke in 2006. Major findings include:
- The scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Eliminating smoking in indoor spaces fully protects non smokers from exposure to secondhand smoke. Separating smokers from non smokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposures of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke.
- Many millions of Americans, both children and adults, are still exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes and workplaces despite substantial progress in tobacco control.
- Secondhand smoke exposure causes disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke.
- Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more severe asthma. Smoking by parents causes respiratory symptoms and slows lung growth in their children.
- Exposure of adults to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and causes coronary heart disease and lung cancer.
For more information on the Surgeon General report, go to http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/secondhandsmoke/.
| Other Important Reports |
| Babies May Absorb Smoke Residue in Home |
| Heart Attacks Decline After Smoking Ban |
| Secondhand Smoke Significantly Increases Risk of Breast Cancer |
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General.