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1993.01.07 :  Secondhand smoke

Contact:  Tim Hensley (404) 488-5705
January 7, 1993

       HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., today announced a
public information campaign to inform Americans of the dangers of
secondhand tobacco smoke.
       Dr. Sullivan made his announcement following the
Environmental Protection Agency's release of a risk assessment
that classifies secondhand smoke as a "Group A" carcinogen--a
substance known to cause cancer in humans.
       The government campaign, "Secondhand Smoke:  We're All At
Risk," was produced by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.  It is aimed at increasing public
awareness of the specific hazards of secondhand smoke and
stirring people to action.  It will feature TV commercials, print
and radio advertisements and an action guide for the public.
       "Too many Americans fail to understand the seriousness of
the health risks of breathing other people's cigarette smoke,"
Dr. Sullivan said.  "Smokers are particularly unaware of, or
deny, the incriminating evidence about secondhand smoke."
       The campaign's action guide, entitled "It's Time to Stop
Being a Passive Victim," suggests ways for individuals to help
promote smoke-free homes, restaurants, workplaces and
communities.  People may request copies by calling CDC's toll-
free hotline -- 1-800-CDC-1311.

       EPA estimates that 3,000 healthy nonsmokers die each year
from lung cancer caused by exposure to secondhand smoke.  In
addition, secondhand smoke each year causes up to 300,000 lower
respiratory tract infections (pneumonia and bronchitis) in
children less than 
1-1/2 years old, resulting in up to 15,000 hospitalizations.
       The CDC and its Office of Smoking and Health are a part of
the Public Health Service within HHS.

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