Second-hand smoke and your health
Second-hand smoke is a combination of smoke from the burning end of a tobacco product and the smoke breathed out by a person smoking. Breathing in second-hand smoke from other people’s cigarettes or tobacco products is called passive smoking.
Second-hand smoke is a known human cancer causing agent and its exposure is especially harmful for babies and children, pregnant people, and people living with chronic health conditions.
Health effects of second-hand smoke
Second-hand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including over 250 chemicals known to be toxic or cause cancer.
Second-hand smoke has immediate harmful effects on the cardiovascular system that can increase the risk of heart attack. People who have chronic health conditions are at especially high risk, including those with asthma, heart disease and diabetes.
Even brief exposures can trigger symptoms in non-smokers including:
- irritation of the eyes and nose
- headaches
- sore throat and cough.
Long term exposure to second-hand smoke can increase the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, and lung cancer.
Studies have confirmed that non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25 to 30 per cent and lung cancer by 20 to 30 per cent.
Effects of second-hand smoke on pregnant people, babies and children
Exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy can impact the baby’s growth, affect lung development, and increase the risk of premature birth (external link) and stillbirth (external link). Learn more about having a healthy pregnancy (external link).
Babies exposed to second-hand smoke have an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In children, second-hand smoke can cause many diseases and conditions including:
Third-hand smoke
Third-hand smoke is when the chemicals and particles from second-hand smoke settles on walls, furniture, clothes, toys, dust and other objects. When these chemicals and particles mix with other chemicals in the environment, they can be released into the air hours or months after they were first deposited. Third-hand smoke builds up over time and can remain for months to years even if tobacco isn’t smoked. Third-hand smoke can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Children and infants are most at risk as they are more likely to spend time indoors and be in contact with contaminated objects (e.g. floors, blankets, toys).
Protect yourself and others from second-hand smoke
Make your home and car smoke-free, especially if children are around.
Encourage your friends and family to quit smoking.
Smoking is banned in the workplace (external site) and enclosed public places. Ensure owners of public places comply with smoking bans laws by reporting concerns to:
- venue management
- local government authorities (if necessary) who are primarily responsible for enforcing the smoking bans in enclosed public places.
Ask to be seated away from designated outdoor smoking areas (if existing non-smoking facilities are inadequate, notify venue management).
Support for people who smoke
Quitline
Quitline (external site) is a confidential telephone support service staffed by trained counsellors who can provide encouragement and strategies to help you quit. Aboriginal Quitline counsellors are also available to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who smoke.
Quitline counsellors can also provide information and advice to family members and other supporters of people who are trying to quit.
Ways to get in touch:
Other ways to get support
Last reviewed: 30-07-2024
Acknowledgements
Chronic Disease Prevention Directorate
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.