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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General

About this resource:

HHS Non-systematic Review

Source: Office of the Surgeon General, 2006

Last Reviewed: 2006

Workgroups: Tobacco Use Workgroup

This report looks at health outcomes from unintentional exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke. Children and adults can be exposed to secondhand smoke in settings where they have no choice, like homes and workplaces. Children who breathe secondhand smoke are at increased risk for health problems, like:

  • Sudden infant death syndrome
  • Acute respiratory infections
  • Ear problems
  • Severe asthma

There are also harmful health effects for adults who are exposed to secondhand smoke. Evidence shows that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

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Objectives related to this resource (2)

Increase the number of states, territories, and DC that prohibit smoking in worksites, restaurants, and bars — TU‑17
Little or no detectable change
Increase the proportion of smoke-free homes — TU‑18
Improving

Suggested Citation

1.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General. (2006). The health consequences of involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke: a report of the Surgeon General. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44324/