Secondhand tobacco smoke is a significant health risk for all Canadians regardless of age, gender, income, education or race. Over 5 million Canadians were smokers which is about 21% of our population aged 15 years and older.There are 2.4 million Canadian homes with children under 12 years of age that report regular exposure to secondhand smoke.

Canadian studies reveal that nonsmokers who live with smokers risk developing lung cancer and chronic disease.
Exposure to secondhand tobacco leads to long-term effects such as:

• Cancer of the lung.
• Heart disease and stroke.
• Reduced ability to take in and use oxygen.

Secondhand smoke is linked to the deaths of at least 1,100 Canadians every year.

Over 300 lung cancer deaths and at least 700 deaths from coronary heart disease will be caused by secondhand smoke.

Smoking in one area of your home will not prevent exposure to secondhand smoke. Tar from one cigarette clings to surrounding surfaces and filters through the air for up to three hours after the cigarette is butted out.

Get the facts. Reduce the risks.

Recognize the importance of reducing your family's exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke.

Reduce your family's exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke by asking family members and visitors to smoke outside.

There is only one way to eliminate secondhand smoke from being indoors and that would be to remove the source - the smoker.

Reduce your family's exposure to tobacco smoke by letting passengers know that you don't allow smoking in your vehicle.

The less you smoke, the fewer harmful chemicals are released into the air in your home or office.

For more information on secondhand tobacco smoke, contact your local health region office or Saskatchewan Health at 1-800-667-7766.