How can secondhand smoke be avoided?

With planning, you can reduce your family's exposure to secondhand smoke. Start with these simple steps:

• Don't allow smoking in your home. Opening windows and using fans and ventilation systems doesn't eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Don't allow smoking in your vehicle, even with the windows down. If a passenger must smoke while you're traveling, stop as needed for smoke breaks outside the car.
• Choose smoke-free care facilities. This applies to child care facilities as well as facilities for older adults.
• Patronize businesses with no-smoking policies. Choose smoke-free restaurants. When you travel, request nonsmoking hotel rooms and rental cars.

If you have a partner or other loved one who smokes, offer support and encouragement to stop smoking. The entire family will benefit.