Summary

Secondhand Smoke causes cancer in non-smokers. It is more dangerous to non-smokers to inhale smoke than for the smoker themselves. There is no safe level of Secondhand Smoke.
There exist 60 known cancer causing agents in cigarettes. 1,000 annual deaths from lung cancer and heart disease are in non-smokers as a result of SHS.

The likelihood of being a smoker is greatly reduced when cigarette prices are high and smoke-free bylaws are strongly implemented.

Smoking in homes is one place that is difficult to regulate and collect data on. Infants and children are the most vulnerable to Secondhand Smoke as they rely on their parents or caregivers for shelter, food and care.

The risk of an infant dying from SIDS (Suddent Infant Death Syndrome) has more than doubles when the mother smokes during and after pregnancy. Increased risk of learning disabilities, abnormal development, ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, light birth weight and smaller length of a new born are all factors.

In 1971, Jesse Steinfeld made a statement that began a significant decline in smoking. In 2006, Ontario introduced an strict Act that bans cigarette smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces as well as in a vehicle if a child under 16 is present. Smoking is more prevalant among non-educated people in lower class societies. Studies show the most effective way of reducing exposure to SHS in children is to target soon to be and existing parents. Through education of the effects and awareness among these communities, we can save the next generation of lives.