Steps to Avoid Secondhand Smoke

Anyone breathing secondhand smoke may experience runny nose, eye irritation, sneezing, headaches and coughing. Here are a few steps to help you avoid exposure:

• Keep your home and car free from secondhand smoke. Have guests and family members smoke outside.

• Never allow anyone to smoke in your (or your child's) bedroom.

• Sit in non-smoking sections of public areas (restaurants, airports, shopping malls, etc.)

• Visit restaurants and shopping centers that are smoke-free.

• If family members smoke, ask them to think about quitting.

• If you or a family member smokes, talk to your doctor or nurse about quitting. Quit smoking medicines are available and can approximately double a person's chance of quitting.

• There are many different programs to help people quit smoking. Check with your local health department to learn if your state offers a free telephone or Internet service for quitting. Also, contact your local chapter of the following organizations: American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

This information has been approved by David Tinkelman, MD (February 2006).