Exposure to Cigarette Smoke Risk for Nonsmokers, EPA Says

TOBACCO February 1993

Regular exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke is carcinogenic and may cause up to 3,000 lung cancer deaths annually, according to a recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Paul Raeburn-AP, "EPA Report Calls Cigarette Smoke 'Substantial' Risk for Nonsmokers," Washington Post, 1/8/93, A3).

Between 150,000 and 300,000 cases of bronchitis and pneumonia in children may be caused by consistent exposure to cigarette smoke, the report said. Asthmatic children, in particular, may suffer increased symptoms from secondhand smoke. Health advocates noted that the report was likely to lead to greater restrictions on smoking in public places.