Secondhand Smoke
Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause (or make worse) a w
ide range of health effects including:
- Cancer
- Respiratory infections
- Asthma
The Vermont Legislature created a specific law that restricts smoking in public places and work sites.
In addition to supporting the state’s smoking restriction laws aimed at reducing all Vermonters exposure to secondhand smoke, the Department of Health has put a special emphasis on some high-risk groups like children. The focus is on providing information to parents and caregivers, to protect children from secondhand smoke by creating a smoke-free zone around them.
Finally, we reach out to people with chronic conditions like asthma, who are aggravated or made worse by cigarette smoke.
Children and Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to children. It causes health problems and makes the following conditions worse:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Colds
- Ear Infections
- Coughing/Wheezing
- Breathing Problems
- Eye Irritation
- Allergies
What Can I Do?
If you smoke, the very best thing for you and those around you is to stop smoking. Find a list of quit smoking resources in Vermont here.
If you’re not ready to quit yet, there are a lot of things you can do right now to protect your children:
- Cut down on your smoking.
- Stop smoking in your house or your car.
- Don’t smoke when your children are present.
- Ask family and friends to leave their smoke outside.
- Make sure there is no smoking at your child’s day care.
- Think of your children as “smoke-free zones” even when they are outside, and keep smoke far, far away from them.
Other Resources & Links
Informational Pamphlet (pdf), or request via email a printed copy of the pamphlet.
The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke
US Surgeon General Report
(2006)
EPA Indoor Air
Smoke-Free Homes Program
American Lung Association
American Heart Association
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Center for Disease Control
Tool kit for Taking Action Against Secondhand Smoke