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Secondhand Smoke and Lungs: Risks at Home and How to End Them
Secondhand smoke contains thousands of chemicals, and there is no safe level. It raises the risk of asthma attacks, ear infections, lung disease and cancer in children and adults. Opening windows or using fans does not remove it. The fix is a smoke-free home and car, and free help to quit.
Written by the PureLung label deskUpdated · 5 min read
What it is
Secondhand smoke is the smoke from a burning cigarette plus smoke the smoker breathes out. It carries chemicals that cause cancer and irritate airways. The CDC states that there is no risk-free level of exposure (CDC, About COPD).
Who is harmed
Children, whose lungs are still growing, have more ear infections, asthma attacks and chest illnesses. Adults exposed at home or work have a higher risk of heart disease, lung cancer and COPD flare-ups. Pregnant people face added risks for the baby.
Thirdhand smoke
Smoke residue sticks to walls, furniture, clothes and cars and can be re-released. Rooms where people used to smoke can still bother airways. Cleaning helps, though some surfaces hold residue for a long time. Painting, replacing carpet and washing hard surfaces with detergent are the usual steps when a smoker's home changes hands, and an airing out with open windows is a good start.
What does not work
Opening windows, using fans, smoking in another room or buying an air cleaner will not remove the risk. Smoking only when children are out does not stop residue. Vaping indoors also adds particles and chemicals to the air.
Smoke is a top trigger for asthma attacks. A smoke-free home is part of any plan for a child or adult with asthma (CDC, About Asthma).
Making a smoke-free home
A written rule is easier to keep than a hint.
- Agree on a clear rule for home and car with everyone in the household.
- Put up a sign at the door.
- Provide an outdoor spot away from doors and windows.
- Ask visitors to smoke outside and away from open windows, and keep smoking supplies out of children's reach.
- Wash bedding and curtains, and clean surfaces.
PureLung: 60 capsules a bottlePacks of 1, 3 or 6 bottles · live price shown at checkout · guarantee as printed on the live listing
See packsIf someone in the home smokes
Offer support, not blame. Free quit help is a phone call away at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (Smokefree.gov, Quit Smoking or Vaping). A clinician can discuss medicines. The NCI also lists tips for supporting a quitter (NCI, Harms of Smoking and Benefits of Quitting).
Away from home
Choose smoke-free restaurants and workplaces. Ask for a smoke-free room when travelling. Know your rights under local laws, and report unsafe conditions at work to the right office. Many people find that a polite, firm rule at home works better than a debate.
What does the PureLung label say?
The label shows 60 capsules, a serving of 2 and a 600 mg Proprietary Blend of eleven names with no single amount; it names no disease.
| Item | As printed |
|---|---|
| Form and count | Capsules, 60 per bottle; serving size 2 capsules; 30 servings |
| Blend per serving | Proprietary Blend, 600 mg: eleven names, no single amount printed |
| Inactive | Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Silica Dioxide |
| Distributor | MJO, Sheridan, WY 82801 |
What capsules cannot do
No supplement protects against secondhand smoke, and detox products have no support (ALA, Can You Detox Your Lungs?). See the first-week plan and the asthma triggers post.
3-bottle pack
3 bottles: 180 capsules
Not listed on the packNot listed on the pack a bottle
Shipping shown at checkout · Guarantee as printed on the live listing
Order 3 bottles
6-bottle pack
6 bottles: 360 capsules
Not listed on the packNot listed on the pack a bottle
Shipping shown at checkout · Guarantee as printed on the live listing
Order 6 bottlesPrices are filled in once the live listing is confirmed. A single bottle is also sold. Check your medicines with your doctor or pharmacist before you order, and keep using every inhaler and prescribed medicine.
FAQ01
PureLung questions people ask
Is there a safe level of secondhand smoke?
No safe level is known.
Do air purifiers solve it?
No.
Is vape aerosol safe for others?
It carries particles and chemicals.
Can I smoke on the balcony?
Smoke can drift indoors.
Where can I get quit help?
1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Who wrote this02
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label images, seller information and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site for a U.S. authorized retailer for PureLung. It is not the manufacturer or the distributor named on the label. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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