How second-hand smoke really travels in your home

(NC)—There are a number of myths about second-smoke. Do any of these myths sound familiar?

Myth#1: If I smoke in another room, I'm not harming anyone.

Fact: Second-hand smoke spreads from one room to another even if the door of the smoking area is closed. In addition, potentially toxic chemicals can cling to rugs, curtains, clothes and other materials and usually remain in a room long after someone has smoked there.

Myth#2: If I open a window or turn on a fan in my home or car, I can get rid of most of the second-hand smoke.

Fact: Opening a window or turning on a fan does not clear the smoke. Unfortunately, studies have shown that there is no level of ventilation that will eliminate the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. In addition, opening a car or room window can actually cause the air to flow back into the room or car directly back at non-smokers.

Myth#3: If I smoke when my children aren't home or in the car, it can't hurt them.

Fact: Second-hand smoke lingers long after people finish a cigarette. In a recent study, researchers found that second-hand smoke can remain in contaminated dust and surfaces, even if smoking took place days, weeks or months earlier.

Myth#4: If I use an air freshener or air filter, my second-hand smoke won't hurt anyone.

Fact: Air fresheners only mask the smell of the smoke and do not reduce the harm in any way. Even air filters or air purifiers are not enough. Second-hand smoke is composed of both particles and gases. Most air filters are designed to reduce fine smoke particles in the air, but they do not remove the gases. This means that many of the cancer-causing agents in the gases remain.

There are things we can all do as parents and adults to protect children from second-hand smoke. To learn more about the myths of second-hand smoke in homes and cars, and to order a copy of the new Health Canada booklet, "Make Your Home and Car Smoke-free", visit gosmokefree.ca or call 1-800-O-CANADA. The booklet comes with a window decal, fridge magnet and family pledge sheet.

- News Canada