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Secondhand
Smoke in Your Home
Benefits of a Smoke-Free Home
| How to Make (and Keep) Your Home Smoke-Free
| Dont Forget Schools and Day Care
We spend more time in our homes than anywhere else. So
the thought of cancer-causing chemicals circulating throughout our houses and apartments
can be quite unsettling. Yet, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, that is
exactly what happens when someone lights a cigarette in your home.
Those most affected by secondhand smoke are children.
Because their bodies are still developing, exposure to the poisons in secondhand smoke
puts children in danger of severe respiratory diseases and can hinder the growth of their
lungs. On top of that, the effects can last a lifetime.
Ventilation systems in homes cannot filter and circulate
air well enough to eliminate secondhand smoke. Blowing smoke away from children, going
into another room to smoke, or opening a window may help reduce childrens exposure
but will not protect them from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
The greatest benefit, of course, is that you will remove
all the health risks associated with secondhand tobacco smoke. Plus
- When your home is smoke-free, it will smell much better.
- Your food will taste better.
- Youll spend less time, energy, and money cleaning your curtains, walls, windows, and
mirrors.
- Your insurance rates may be lower—check with your insurance company.
- Even your pets will be happier. For example, secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung
cancer in dogs.
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- It
may feel awkward at first to tell people not to smoke in your home—no one wants to make
guests uncomfortable—but if you simply explain the facts about secondhand smoke, they
should understand completely. Tell them that for the sake of your familys health,
you simply cannot allow smoking in your home. Have gum or mints available as an
alternative to lighting up. If visitors absolutely must smoke, tell them they can do so
outside.
- If
someone in your household smokes, be sympathetic and understanding—but encourage him or
her to quit. Let that person know that cigarette smoke affects everyone, not just the
smoker. Let them know you care and you want to help. Again, if someone absolutely must
smoke, ask that person to do so outside.
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- Make sure your childs school and day care programs are smoke-free. And insist that
babysitters not smoke around your children.
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Related Links
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