Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand tobacco smoke can result in eye and throat irritation, and increase the risk of lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and heart attacks.

Vermont's smoke-free laws protect the public from the health risks of secondhand smoke in workplaces, motor vehicles, public places and childcare settings. Learn more.

Tthe Department of Health has put a special emphasis on protecting high-risk groups, including children and people with chronic conditions like asthma. Help protect yourself and your family from secondhand smoke by creating a smoke-free zone.

Dangers of Tobacco Smoke in the Home

The home is where most children breathe secondhand smoke. Getting rid of smoking inside is the only way to protect non-smokers from tobacco smoke. Even if you keep smokers away from non-smokers and use a ventilation system it will not completely get rid of secondhand smoke.

Fact Sheet: Dangers of Tobacco Smoke in the Home

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Children's Health and Secondhand Smoke

Children who are around secondhand smoke are at more risk for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, asthma, lung infections, ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis and other medical problems.

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What Can I Do?

Quit Smoking

When you decide to quit, these free services can help you find success. Best of all, through 802Quits you can get free nicotine replacement - gum, patches or lozenges - shipped right to your door (while supplies last). Visit 802Quits.org

If you’re not ready to quit yet, there are a lot of things you can do right now to protect your children:

Cut down on your smoking.
Stop smoking in your house or your car.
Don’t smoke when your children are present.
Ask family and friends to leave their smoke outside.
Make sure there is no smoking at your child’s day care.
Think of your children as “smoke-free zones” even when they are outside, and keep smoke far, far away from them.