What are the risks of second-hand smoke or aerosol from vaping for my partner or other members of my family?

There is no known safe level of second-hand exposure to tobacco smoke or aerosol from vaping products. If you can avoid being exposed to second-hand smoke and aerosol from vaping, your risk will be lower and your overall health will benefit.

Second-hand smoke comes from burning a tobacco product or is exhaled by a person who smokes. It increases risk of heart disease, lung infections, asthma and lung cancer.

Aerosol is exhaled from the nose and mouth of people who vape. Second-hand aerosol from vaping may not be as harmful as second-hand tobacco smoke, but there is still risk. For example, cancer-causing chemicals have been found in the urine of people exposed to second-hand aerosol from vaping.

Breathing in second-hand smoke and aerosol from vaping can increase a child’s risk of breathing problems, and problems with the ear, nose and throat.

To decrease harm, use tobacco and vaping products outside and away from doorways, open windows and furnace and exhaust vents. Smoking or vaping in another room or where a window is open, or in a heated garage will not stop the risk of exposure. This is because smoke and aerosol from vaping spread out and your furnace spreads the air through your home.

In Alberta, it is against the law to smoke or vape in a vehicle with your child inside. Opening the window will not remove harm and may spread chemicals into the back seat.

For more information to help reduce risk from exposure, go to Smoking, Vaping and Your Health.