Tobacco use is the #1 leading cause of preventable death in the United States, but smokers aren't the only ones affected by tobacco smoke. An estimated 400,000 people die in the United States each year from tobacco related illnesses.

Tobacco smoke burning from a cigarette releases more toxins and carcinogens into the air than in the smoke inhaled by a smoker. This is known as secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is a leading cause of preventable death that kills about 50,000 Americans each year. An estimated 120 Alaskans die each year from Secondhand Smoke and eight out of ten Alaskans believe secondhand smoke is harmful and people should be protected from it.

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke kills. Everyone has the right to breathe smokefree air.

• Home: smokefree facts for your home.
• Health: smokefree facts about your health.
• Workplace: smokefree facts for the workplace.

America's chief health educator, the Surgeon General gives Americans the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.

• The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke a report of the Surgeon General
• Key Quotes from new Surgeon General report on secondhand smoke
• Press Release U.S. Surgeon General Report confirms deadly effects of secondhand smoke