Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona announced the results of a new study that confirms the dangers of secondhand smoke. Carmona declared that it is 'indisputable' that secondhand smoke is 'a serious health hazard' and kills approximately 50,000 people each year.
'I am here to say the debate is over, the science is clear,' Carmona said during a news conference. 'Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance. It is a serious health hazard.'
Carmona added that no level of exposure to secondhand smoke is safe and that there were strong links between exposure to secondhand smoke and a string of deadly conditions including heart disease, lung cancer, breast cancer, childhood cancer, nasal sinus cancer, ear infections and asthma. Studies have also shown a clear link between exposure to secondhand smoke and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The Surgeon General said the only way to protect people against secondhand smoke was to ban smoking in all public buildings. According to Carmona, roughly 30 percent of all indoor workers are not protected from secondhand smoke by present laws.
In addition, he urged parents to leave their houses before lighting up cigarettes and other tobacco products because they can have a damaging and potentially deadly affect on their children. It is estimated that 20 percent of all children are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.
Thus far, only 16 states have banned smoking in all public buildings. It remains to be seen whether or not other states will take measures to protect their populations from this serious health threat.
