Second-hand smoke is a real threat
Profile: Heather Crowe
 Heather Crowe never smoked. But she worked in a restaurant with a smoking section. Heather died of lung cancer on May 22, 2006.
Years ago, when Heather began working as a waitress, she didn't know second-hand smoke could damage her health. As little as 15 years ago, the tobacco industry said second-hand smoke did no harm, and she felt secure in her workplace. Years later, Heather could no longer work. Her livelihood was compromised, her health was affected, her future was gone.
Heather didn't know she was a target for second-hand smoke. Hear Heather's story: 30-second MPG TV ad or just the  audio (for a faster download).
What is second-hand smoke and why is it so dangerous?
- It's the smoke that's released from the end of a burning cigarette.
- It's the smoke that's exhaled by a smoker.
- It contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene and hydrogen cyanide.
- It contains the same toxic chemicals as the smoke inhaled by the smoker.
- Even after a cigarette is out, second-hand smoke remains in the environment (furniture, carpets, blinds ... ) and is still toxic.
- Ventilation systems, air purifiers and designated smoking areas are not enough to provide protection from second-hand smoke.
- More than 1,000 nonsmokers will die this year in Canada due to tobacco use over 300 lung cancer deaths and at least 700 deaths from coronary heart disease will be caused by second-hand smoke.
- More about second-hand smoke...
Why does the workplace present such a risk?
 Employees who are routinely exposed to second-hand smoke can see their risk of lung cancer increase by 20%.- 3 million Canadian workers have no protection from second-hand smoke. Another 8 million have only partial protection.
- Exposure to second-hand smoke can be higher in some workplaces than at home. For example, the level of nicotine in the air in bars is up to 15 times higher than in a smoker's home.
- Non-smokers who work in a smokefilled environment inhale the same toxic chemicals as the people smoking.
- The risk of a non-smoker developing coronary heart disease can be considerably higher if he or she is regularly exposed to second-hand smoke on the job.
You can make a difference.
Resources
|
