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What are the health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke?

Secondhand smoke exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer (10, 12, 13, 15, 16).
  1. Approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths occur each year among adult nonsmokers in the United States as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke (11). Secondhand smoke is also linked to nasal sinus cancer (10, 13). Some research suggests an association between secondhand smoke and cancers of the cervix , breast , and bladder . However, more research is needed in order to confirm a link to these cancers (12, 13, 17). Secondhand smoke is also associated with the following noncancerous conditions:
    1. Chronic coughing, phlegm, and wheezing (13, 15).
    2. Chest discomfort (13).
    3. Lowered lung function (13, 15).
    4. Severe lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia , in children (13, 15).
    5. More severe asthma and increased chance of developing asthma in children (15).
    6. Eye and nose irritation (13).
    7. Severe and chronic heart disease (13).
    8. Middle ear infections in children (13, 15).
    9. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (13).
    10. Low birthweight or small size at birth for babies of women exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy (13).
  2. Certain other noncancerous health conditions may also be associated with secondhand smoke. However, more research is needed in order to confirm a link between these conditions and secondhand smoke. These conditions include:
    1. Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) (13).
    2. Adverse effect on cognition and behavior in children (13).
    3. Worsening of cystic fibrosis (a disease that causes excessive mucus in the lungs) (13).