Secondhand smoke
- What are the dangers of secondhand smoke?
- How can I protect my loved ones from secondhand smoke?
- Where can I go for more information on secondhand smoke?
What are the dangers of secondhand smoke?
Tobacco smoke is made up of more than 4,000 dangerous chemicals, 69 of which are known to directly cause cancer. When someone inhales secondhand smoke they breathe in these chemicals.
There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke because their bodies are still growing and developing. They are also unable or find it hard to ask adults not to smoke around them or walk away when someone is smoking near them.
When infants and children are exposed to secondhand smoke, they increase their risk of:
- SIDS (also known as cot death)
- Decreased lung function
- Severe lower respiratory tract infections (including croup, bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia)
- Ear problems
- Severe asthma
- Reduced sense of smell
Adults also increase their risk of developing a range of health problems when exposed to secondhand smoke. Passive smoking is a proven cause of lung cancer and heart disease in non-smokers. It can also lead to adult-onset asthma or a worsening of symptoms for those with asthma.
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How can I protect my loved ones from secondhand smoke?
The best way to protect your family and friends from secondhand smoke is to quit smoking.
However if you’re not quite ready to make that step the next best solution is to make your home and car smoke-free. Doing so not only protects others, but can also make quitting easier.
When you smoke at home, everyone inside breathes the smoke. Make your home smoke-free to protect your family and friends.
Under Western Australian law it is now illegal to smoke in a car carrying children under the age of 17 years. Make your car smoke-free to protect your family and friends from exposure to secondhand smoke. Opening your car windows is not enough to remove the risk.
Due to many locations around WA now being smoke-free, it is easier for you not to smoke when you’re out with friends and family. To find out more about the current State legislation surrounding smoking in public and enclosed places go to the Tobacco Control in WA section of this website.
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Where can I go for more information on secondhand smoke?
- Call the Quitline on 13 7848 (13 QUIT) and talk to one of their trained counsellors or order a free Quit Kit.
- Cancer Council WA has developed a wide range of resources on secondhand smoke, including information sheets on:
- Secondhand smoke: a guide for parents (pdf 73kb)
- How smoking affects families (pdf 86kb)
- Secondhand smoke: the myths (pdf 86kb)
- Secondhand smoke: a guide for health professionals (pdf 84kb)
- Secondhand smoke: a guide for parents (pdf 73kb)
- Seek advice and support from your GP, Aboriginal Health Worker or pharmacist.
