Secondhand smoke harms children and adults, and the only way to fully protect nonsmokers is to eliminate smoking in all homes, worksites, and public places.^1,2,3

You can take steps to protect yourself and your family from secondhand smoke, such as making your home and vehicles smokefree.^2,3

Separating smokers from nonsmokers, opening windows, or using air filters does not prevent people from breathing secondhand smoke.^1,2,3

Most exposure to secondhand smoke occurs in homes and workplaces.^2,3

People are also exposed to secondhand smoke in public places—such as in restaurants, bars, and casinos—as well as in cars and other vehicles.^2,3

People with lower income and lower education are less likely to be covered by smokefree laws in worksites, restaurants, and bars.⁴

Fact sheet