Saying No to Secondhand Smoke

As long as people continue to smoke tobacco, secondhand smoke will threaten the health of nonsmokers. Still, you can take steps to protect yourself and your children from other people's smoke­p;at home, at work, and in public places.

Saying No at Home

Your husband or wife smokes and you don't. Every time your mother visits and smokes, your son has an asthma attack. Your babysitter smokes.

How can you and your children share air space at home with smokers without risking your health? Here are some ideas to help you clear the air.

How To Say No

If You Live With a Smoker

• Ask him or her not to smoke inside your home. Look at this booklet together and discuss how his or her habit puts you and your children at risk.
  
  
• If he/she is unwilling to go outside, suggest ways to limit the exposure to smoke for you and your children. Maybe a room could be set aside for smoking­p;one that is seldom used by other members of the household. Some smokers protect others at home by smoking near an open window or when no one is around.
  
  
• Keep rooms well-ventilated. Open windows.
  
  
• Support smokers who decide to quit.

When Visitors Come

• Ask all smokers who visit not to smoke in your house or apartment. It's your right to keep your home free of this health risk.
  
  
• Don't keep ashtrays around.

In Others' Homes

• Tell friends and relatives politely that you'd appreciate it if they do not smoke while you're there.
  
  
• Let people know when their smoke is causing immediate problems. If it is making your allergies worse, making you cough or wheeze, or making your eyes sting­p;say so. Some smokers may put their cigarettes away when they see the discomfort it causes.

If You Have Children

• Insist that babysitters, grandparents, or other caregivers not smoke around your children. Be firm if necessary; your child's health is worth it.
  
  
• Help children avoid secondhand smoke if smokers do use tobacco around them. Have them leave the room or play outside while an adult is smoking. Air rooms out after smoking occurs. Keep smokers away from places children sleep.

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