Anyone who is exposed to it, even for a short time. Secondhand smoke can cause health problems in children and adults, and can even be deadly.1,2,6 Since 1964, about 2,500,000 people who do not smoke have died from health problems caused by secondhand smoke exposure.1
Because more communities and states are adopting smokefree laws, the number of adults exposed to secondhand smoke in public places like worksites, bars, restaurants, and casinos has gone down.8 However, for many, especially children, exposure to secondhand smoke happens in places like homes and vehicles.9 You are especially likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke if you live in multi-unit housing—like apartment buildings with many homes next to one another in the same place.9,10