Secondhand smoke poses serious health risks to both children and adults, and there is no safe level of exposure. The home remains the leading source of secondhand smoke exposure, especially for children. To protect your loved ones, make your home and car completely smoke-free, and encourage family members who smoke to seek help quitting. Smoking in a separate room, using fans, or opening windows will not prevent secondhand smoke from spreading—it can travel through vents, doors, walls, and even plumbing. This also applies to apartment buildings, where smoke can seep between units. E-cigarettes aren’t a safe alternative either—their emissions can include harmful substances such as cancer-causing chemicals and heavy metals. To reduce risk outside the home, advocate for tobacco-free policies in schools, daycares, workplaces, and businesses. By creating a smokefree environment at home and in the community, you’re not only protecting your family’s lungs—you’re setting a powerful example for the next generation.

Key Facts:

• There is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure.
• Smoke can linger for hours and travel through vents and cracks.
• E-cigarette aerosol contains harmful chemicals, not just “harmless vapor.”
• Opening windows or using fans does not eliminate smoke.
• Smokefree home and school policies protect kids and adults alike.
• Quitting smoking is the best way to protect your family’s health.

Every breath matters—especially the ones our children take. Making your home, car, and community smoke-free is a gift of health, safety, and love. It’s never too late to take that step, and support is available for those ready to quit. Let’s clear the air together.

**Protecting youth from flavored tobacco aligns with broader public health goals and initiatives.**

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/secondhand-smoke/home.html