Second-hand Smoke

Whether you're hanging out with friends, relaxing at home, or at a party, chances are that you may be exposed to the dangers of second-hand smoke. That's why you need to know as much as you can to protect yourself, your friends and your family. Know the facts!

What is second-hand smoke?

Second-hand smoke is the smoke that is exhaled by a smoker, combined with the smoke released from the end of a burning cigarette.

What makes it so dangerous?

• It's filled with more than 4,000 chemicals, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, oxides of nitrogen, hydrogen, cyanide and 4-aminobiphenyl, a substance so toxic that it has been banned for over 30 years in the workplace.
• It contains hydrogen cyanide (a gas that can damage lungs) in proportions that are 160 times higher than what is considered dangerous.
• It contains the same toxic chemicals as the smoke inhaled by the smoker.
• Opening a window in another room or having air purifiers or ventilation systems can't protect you from second-hand smoke.
• Once the cigarette is out, second-hand smoke remains in the environment (your clothes, your hair, the air around you ) and is still toxic!
• There is no known safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke and it causes at least 1,000 deaths every year in Canada.

What can I do?

• If you smoke, don't do it around non-smokers, or take it outside.
• Smoke outside and away from open windows and air intakes.
• Rolling down your window in a smoke-filled car won't protect you. As a passenger, speak up and protect your air.
• For your sake and the sake of your friends and family, create smokefree spaces (home, school, work...).

It's up to you

These facts and statistics are scary because they're true. Next time you or your friends think about lighting up, take a second to think about the effects on people around you and your environment.

Smokefree Spaces: Why Care?

Why care about second-hand smoke? It smells bad. It hurts. It kills. Exposure to second-hand smoke is totally preventable and avoidable. This section makes the case for becoming an activist for smokefree spaces. It gives you the facts - and this is crucial. You and your team members must know the facts, inside and out. Your knowledge will give you credibility. Inspiration to move to the next level is what you'll find in this section, you'll learn about those working to make a difference in their communities, and how you can do the same.

• The Facts
  Here you'll find the stuff you and your team absolutely need to know.
  Knowledge is power.
• Words to Live By
  Testimonials from other young people whose lives have been affected by second-hand smoke
• The "42"
  Profiles of the 42 young people who helped develop the Smokefree Spaceds Activist Toolkit.
• Testimonials and Advertisements
  Video and print materials about how young people feel about second-hand smoke issues.

Smokefree Spaces Activist Toolkit

Did you know that last year 1.5 million children and youth were regularly exposed to second-hand smoke? Were you one of them? Stand up and speak out for smokefree spaces where you live.