Adults and Smoky Homes
What's the problem?
Non-smokers that are exposed to secondhand smoke have at least 24% higher risk of lung cancer and 25% higher risk of heart disease. Secondhand smoke is also a major risk factor for many other conditions, including:
- Asthma: Smoking can trigger asthma, or worsen the symptoms of asthma
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Stroke
- Cancer: More than 50 of the 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke are known to be cancer-causing
And smokers, as well as non-smokers, are at an increased risk of these smoking-related illnesses if they are exposed to other people’s smoke in the home.
What will a smokefree home mean to our household and our home?
The amount of smoke that everyone in your household breathes in will be greatly reduced. In addition to reducing everyone's risk of numerous smoking related illnesses, you may find that:
- Smokers find it easier to kick the habit
- Smokers smoke much less
- Ex-smokers will find it easier to resist taking up smoking again
- An end to ashtrays and lighters cluttering up the house
- You can enjoy a cleaner, brighter home – no more dropped ash, stains or cigarette burns, no more ashtrays cluttering up the house
- There is less need for decorating! No more decolouration of paintwork and wall paper
- There is a reduced risk of house fires – more people die in fires caused by cigarettes than any other cause – in the UK, smoking related fires cause approximately one person to die every three days and 1800 people to be injured every year1
- Your food will taste and smell better
- You will save money as any smokers in the household are likely to reduce or stop their habit.
- Your family pets will be healthier, happier, and live longer
1. Fire Statistics United Kingdom, 2002. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2004. pp.19 – 21.