Statistics:

1. The scientific evidence is indisputable that secondhand smoke causes premature death and serious diseases in both adults and children who do not smoke.
2. Secondhand smoke is a proven cause of lung cancer and heart disease in nonsmoking adults and of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), low birth weight, acute respiratory infections ear infections and asthma attacks in infants and children. It is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. each year.
3. There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
4. Exposure to secondhand smoke has substantial and immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.
5. The only effective way to protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke is to require smoke-free workplaces and public places.
6. Separating smokers from nonsmokers in the same air space, cleaning the air and ventilating buildings are not effective at eliminating exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke.
7. Smoke-free policies and regulations do not have an adverse economic impact on the hospitality industry.
8. While we have made progress in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, more than 126 million nonsmokers in the U.S. are still exposed to secondhand smoke in workplaces and homes.
9. Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 carcinogens.
10. The extent to which workplaces are covered by smoke-free policies varies among worker groups, across states, and by sociodemographic factors. Workplaces related to the entertainment and hospitality industries have notably high potential for secondhand smoke exposure.

"This activity is supported by federal Title V/Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Funds awarded to Central Community Services Inc. in partnership with North Central District Health Department and Loup Basin Public Health Department, by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure.