Daily HealthBeat Tip

Secondhand smoke, firsthand trouble

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Smoke from other people's cigarettes not only smells bad, it's dangerous. And a new report from the Surgeon General tells how dangerous.

The report finds that no matter how little of the stuff anyone breathes, the risks go up. The only safe level is zero. Secondhand smoke can cause heart disease and lung cancer – and, in kids, can cause sudden infant death syndrome or raise the risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections.

Surgeon General Richard Carmona:

"Secondhand smoke exposure is preventable, by creating smoke-free environments. This is the only way to fully protect you and your loved ones." (eight seconds)

This means no smoke at home, to protect your kids. And if you're out, just being in a no-smoking section isn't safe enough. The report says no ventilation system is that good.

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: June 28, 2006

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