Secondhand Smoke Exposure Plagues Close To 58 Million Americans

Fewer American's are smoking, but we're not all in the clear just yet. New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that close to 58 million nonsmokers are still being exposed to secondhand smoke.

"Secondhand smoke can kill, and too many Americans-and particularly too many children-are still exposed to secondhand smoke," Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the CDC, said during a midday press conference.

The latest estimates show that close to 40 percent of children aged 3 to 11 are breathing in toxic secondhand smoke. Findings further revealed that more black children are taking in higher smoke levels, at 70 percent, according to CDC officials.

Secondhand smoke is always dangerous, but particularly for infants, small children, the elderly or those with compromised immune systems, the results can increase the risk of numerous health problems or even death. In adult nonsmokers, passive smoke has been liked to stroke, heart disease and even lung cancer, in more severe cases.

Furthermore, in infants and children, secondhand smoke has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, asthma attacks and respiratory infections.

"The best way to reduce the harms from secondhand smoke is to reduce smoking," Frieden said.

However, estimates still show that more than 41,000 Americans die every year from smoking-related lung cancer and heart disease, as well as 400 deaths from SIDS.

These deaths are preventable. If you are someone you know has a smoking problem, don't wait. Get help now.

"Continued efforts to promote implementation of comprehensive statewide laws prohibiting smoking in workplaces and public places, smoke-free policies in multiunit housing, and voluntary smoke-free home and vehicle rules are critical to protect nonsmokers from this preventable health hazard in the places they live, work and gather," concluded the study authors.

As it stands, 30 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have statewide laws in effect that require both bars and restaurants to be 100 percent smoke-free. Many other areas in these and other states, including college campuses and near various public properties also prohibit smoking.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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