Health Risks Overview Smoking Secondhand Smoke Disparities in Risk

The Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, "secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in children and in adults who do not smoke."  Secondhand smoke causes an estimated 50,000 deaths each year mostly from lung cancer and coronary heart disease.  You can find more information from the American Lung Association on secondhand smoke by clicking here.

Secondhand smoke is especially dangerous for people who must spend 8 hours a day or more exposed at work.  That is why the American Lung Association is dedicated to eliminating smoking in all public places and workplaces.  We have issued a Smokefree Air Challenge  calling on all states to pass comprehensive smokefree laws.  

Through our efforts and those of our partner organizations, over half the states have now passed laws prohibiting smoking in almost all public places and workplaces.  You can find out if your state is one of them by clicking here.