Secondhand smoke

What if I live with a smoker?

Exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of lung cancer in people who have never smoked. If you live with a person who smokes, you have a 20 to 30% increased risk for lung cancer. This exposure may occur during childhood or adulthood. In those people, additional exposure to radon, pollution and smoke in the workplace can multiply the risk of lung cancer.

To minimize the health effects of secondhand smoke:

  • Avoid being in a closed space with smokers, including homes, workplaces and vehicles.
  • Don’t allow children to be around people who are smoking, especially in vehicles. Opening the window is not enough.
  • Make your home a "No Smoking Zone." All smokers must go outside to smoke, even in the winter.

See your doctor if you have repeated upper respiratory infections or persistent coughing or pain, and be sure to mention that you were exposed to secondhand smoke for long periods.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer