What is second-hand smoke?

Second-hand smoke comes from two places: smoke breathed out by the person who smokes, and smoke from the end of a burning cigarette.

It contains a lethal mix of more than 4,000 chemicals, including ingredients used in products such as paint stripper, moth balls, toilet cleaner, car batteries and car exhaust - 200 are poisons, 43 cause cancer.

Second-hand smoke is also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). When non-smokers inhale second-hand smoke it is called passive smoking.

Why and how does second-hand smoke cause problems for children?

Second-hand smoke inhaled by children has been linked to the development of many illnesses and diseases. Children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke than adults because their lungs and body weight are small so the dangerous substances in smoke are more harmful to them.

In children, second-hand smoke exposure has been associated with:

• asthma
• chest infections such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, croup, pneumonia
• middle ear infections eg. glue ear
• impaired lung function
• sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• eye and throat irritation, wheezing, cough, headaches
• meningococcal disease.

For more information see ‘Health effects of second-hand smoke on children’ fact sheet

How does second-hand smoke affect the health of adults?

Non-smokers who breathe second-hand smoke suffer many of the same diseases as regular smokers. Heart disease as well as lung and nasal sinus cancers have been associated with second-hand smoke exposure. Exposure of non-smoking women to second-hand smoke during pregnancy can reduce foetal growth. Second-hand smoke also causes immediate effects such as eye and nasal irritation, headache, sore throat, dizziness, nausea, cough, and respiratory problems.

For more information see Health effects of Second-hand smoke fact sheet

Can second-hand smoke kill?

Yes. It is estimated that 350 New Zealanders die each year due to the effects of exposure to second-hand smoke.

Why don’t bars and restaurants just use ventilation to remove second-hand smoke?

Ventilation does not effectively clear second-hand smoke from the air. Ventilation standards are based on ensuring acceptable odour levels. They are not designed to eliminate the health risks from second-hand smoke. It has been estimated that ventilation the strength of a tornado would be needed to eliminate the health risks from second-hand smoke.

What if my spouse/partner doesn’t believe that second-hand smoke is harmful?

A large amount of evidence from around the world clearly shows that exposure to second-hand smoke is harmful to the health of other household members. For more information check out the websites listed on our Links page and look at our Fact Sheets. Your local doctor can also give you further information.

What if I want to quit smoking?

If you want to quit smoking call the Quitline on 0800 778 778 for free, confidential quit support and advice, as well as subsidised nicotine patches and gum.