KDHE releases report on dangers of secondhand smoke

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently released the 2009 Secondhand Smoke Report.

The report highlights current information on the health effects of secondhand smoke, what can be done to protect Kansas residents from this health danger, and the progress that has been made to reduce exposure at the local level.

"Secondhand smoke is a health hazard for non-smoking adults and children," KDHE Secretary Roderick Bremby said. "Eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke prevents disease and saves lives."

Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults and sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory problems, ear infections and asthma attacks in infants and children. Each year, about 400 Kansas residents die from exposure to secondhand smoke, according to KDHE.

The Secondhand Smoke Report was produced by KDHE's Tobacco Use Prevention Program, which follows the agency's mission of promoting responsible choices to protect the health of all Kansas residents. The goal of the program is to improve the health of Kansas residents by reducing tobacco use, preventing youth from starting to use tobacco and reducing non-users' exposure to secondhand smoke.

The Kansas Tobacco Use Prevention Program manages the Kansas Tobacco Hotline, (800) 748-8669, and provides resources and technical assistance to community coalitions for development, enhancement and evaluation of state and local tobacco prevention initiatives.

For more information on the Tobacco Use Prevention Program, visit www.kdheks.gov/tobacco.