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Environmental and Workplace Health
Second-hand Smoke
Tobacco smoke is the most harmful and widespread known indoor air pollutant.
Second-hand smoke is a combination of exhaled smoke and the smoke produced by an idling cigarette, cigar or pipe. It consists of solid particles, liquids and gases. It is a pollutant that you can easily control in your home by not allowing people to smoke indoors.
Scientists have identified more than 4,000 different chemical compounds in second-hand smoke, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, arsenic, dioxins and furans. Most of these toxic chemicals are created when tobacco burns. Others, such as lead and nicotine, are found naturally in tobacco and are released when it burns.
Health Canada Resources
- Make your home and car smoke-free
- Second-hand Smoke
Other Resources
The Lung Association - Smoking & tobacco - Second-hand smoke- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Indoor Air Quality: Smoke-free Homes and Cars Program
Did you know?
Second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemical compounds including nicotine, carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, arsenic, dioxins and furans.
Second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemical compounds including nicotine, carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, arsenic, dioxins and furans.
