Understanding secondhand smoke Published Nov. 4, 2008 By Whiteman Air Force Base Health and Wellness Center WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Secondhand smoke is also known as environmental tobacco smoke and tobacco smoke pollution. It is a mixture of the smoke from the burning of tobacco and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. The terms 'passive smoking' and 'involuntary smoking' describes the actual process of breathing SHS. SHS is similar to the smoke inhaled by smokers. It is a complex mixture of 4,000 chemicals (including formaldehyde, cyanide, carbon monoxide, ammonia and nicotine), many of which are known human-cancer causing agents or carcinogens. A 2006 U.S. Surgeon General's Report concluded that SHS causes premature death and disease in children and adults who do not smoke and that there is no risk-free level of exposure to SHS. During the month of November, everyone in the Whiteman Community is encouraged to begin reducing their exposure to SHS. It is especially important that we make every effort to be sure that children are not breathing any tobacco smoke pollution. Throughout the month the Whiteman Health and Wellness Center will be providing education materials, hosting resource tables and challenging everyone to sign a pledge not smoke in their homes or personal vehicles. In addition, carbon monoxide monitoring will be available for anyone interested in determining their level of exposure. SHS can have a devastating impact on babies and children. Their developing bodies make them sensitive to the poisons and carcinogens in the smoke. Children exposed to SHS can have levels of carbon monoxide (the same poisonous gas that comes out of the exhaust pipe of a car or truck) in their blood that is similar to those of adult smokers. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory problems, ear infections, more severe asthma, slow lung growth and weaker lungs. By focusing on the following tips, you can consistently limit your child's exposure and reduce the risk of their developing the negative health consequences associated with tobacco smoke pollution: Do not smoke in your home Do not smoke in your car or truck Avoid restaurants that are not smoke-free Always sit in non-smoking areas in public places. If you are a smoker and a parent, the best way to reduce your child's exposure is to not smoke at all - consider quitting for yourself and your children. This will reduce the chances of children experiencing the health consequences of SHS and make it less likely that they will grow up to be smokers. Most people who quit smoking and live a tobacco free lifestyle will increase their life expectancy and are able to spend more quality time with their loved ones. For additional information on SHS or to learn more about the resources available to help quit smoking please call the HAWC at 687-7662.