For further information on second-hand smoke
Second-hand smoke:
Tobacco smoke in the environment is the smoke exhaled by smokers after they inhale it, combined with the smoke given off by the cigarette itself. This latter element accounts for at least half the smoke found in the environment.
Second-hand smoke is a combination of the smoke that is dispersed by the cigarette, and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. It contains over 4,000 chemical substances, more than 50 of which are known to cause cancer. These substances are more concentrated in second-hand smoke than in the smoke inhaled directly by the smoker. For example, second-hand smoke contains:
- 3 times as much tar
- 5 times as much carbon monoxide
- 6 times as much nicotine
- 40 times as much ammoniac
A lit cigarette produces smoke for approximately 12 minutes, but smokers may only inhale 30 seconds-worth of that smoke.
In Quebec, 22% of children between 0 and 17 years of age are exposed regularly to second-hand smoke at home. Children have a higher metabolic rate than adults and can absorb more smoke.
Babies and children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer from chronic respiratory disease, lung disease, middle ear infections and food allergies. They are also more likely to fall victim to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Regular exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung disease by 25%, and the risk of cardiovascular disease by 10%.
In a Canadian study (ESUTC 2006), respondents were asked about their exposure to secondary smoke outside the home. Below is a list of the places at which they said they had been exposed to secondary smoke in the last month of the study:
- 51 % at the entrance to a building
- 29 % in someone else’s home
- 31 % on the outside terrace of a restaurant or bar
- 25% in a car or other vehicle
- 23 % in their workplace
Every year, second-hand smoke is associated with the deaths of nearly 850 people in Canada.
Cats, dogs and other animals that are exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to develop lung cancer.
By CORPIQ (the Corporation des propriétaires immobiliers du Québec) concerning tobacco is that landlords have a right to prohibit smoking in their buildings, provided the ban is clearly stipulated in the lease at the time it is signed.
Secondary smoke can filter under doors, through open windows and via ventilation pipes and electrical sockets. Tobacco smoke infiltration is a problem for many people who live in multi-family buildings, as homeowners or tenants.
Smoking in cars
According to a 2004 study, 69 % of Montreal smokers smoke in their cars, 78 % smoke in other people’s cars, and 40 % smoke when children are present.
Smokers who ask if they can smoke in a vehicle receive an affirmative response three times out of four.
Seven out of ten non-smokers who travel in a smoker’s car say they are bothered by the smoke.
Ontario and British Columbia have both passed an Act prohibiting smoking in cars in the presence of minors aged 16 or under.
Tertiary smoke
Tertiary smoke – smoke that lingers in carpets, clothing and other objects – contains the same toxic substances as secondary smoke and should be avoided, especially by babies and children.