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Secondhand Smoking: Information, Regulations, Science and Effects

Smoking Policies, Regulations, and Facts

Overview

We have been overwhelmed by requests for information from members of the general public about environmental and safety concerns in the home and school in addition to the workplace. The smoking issues start off our companion pages for the general public. If you would like to see us develop pages regarding any other topics, please email us at and tell us what you would like!

Provides detailed responses to the specific criticisms of EPA's assessment of lung cancer data included in the 1993 report, Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking: Lung Cancer and Other Disorders (EPA/600/6-90/006 F) [This document is available from IAQ INFO]. EPA stands by its 1993 report, which found that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in nonsmoking adults and increases the risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma in children. U.S. EPA, EPA Document Number 402-F-94-005, June 1994.

US EPA Secondhand smoking documents and publications - all free

EPA Fact Sheet: EPA-402-F-93-004, July 1993; "SECONDHAND SMOKE
WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT SECONDHAND SMOKE AS PARENTS, DECISIONMAKERS, AND BUILDING OCCUPANTS".
Defines secondhand smoke and describes health risks from exposure to secondhand smoke. This leaflet provides steps to take to reduce the health risks of passive smoking in the home, in the workplace, in restaurants and bars, and other indoor places. U.S. EPA, EPA Document Number 402-F-93-004, July 1993.

HUMO de segunda mano: �Qu� puede hacer usted sobre el humo de segunda mano como padre, personal directivo y ocupante de un edificio? 402-F-93-004A

Setting the Record Straight: Secondhand Smoke is a Preventable Health Risk

Describes EPA's major assessment of the respiratory health risks associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking: Lung Cancer and Other Disorders (EPA/600/6-90/006 F). This landmark assessment concluded that widespread exposure to ETS in the U.S. presents a serious and substantial public health risk. A copy of the full report is available from EPA's Center for Environmental Research Information in Cincinnati, Ohio, or the Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO). U.S. EPA, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA Document Number 43-F-93-003, January 1993.

Fact Sheet: Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking
IAQ Coordinator's Guide - Appendix F - Environmental Tobacco
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), also called secondhand smoke, is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, and the smoke exhaled from the lungs of smokers. This appendix describes it in regard to indoor air quality.

Do you suspect your office has an indoor air problem?
Many office buildings have significant indoor air pollution sources. A factor greatly influencing the effect of these sources and the overall quality of indoor air in offices is the ventilation system design, operation and maintenance. Smoking is one of the contributing pollutants
Asthma Checklist - This EPA publication contains useful information which includes the effects of indoor smoking.

Also see: Indoor Air Quality