Tips for communities and places

Second-hand smoke is a major health risk. It causes serious illnesses such as lung cancer and heart disease. It increases the risk of pneumonia in children. Second-hand vaping exposes people to harmful chemicals.

People can also be exposed to chemicals from smoke by touching surfaces in rooms where others have smoked before. This is called third-hand smoke.

Quit has guidelines for workplaces, sporting clubs and other organisations to go smoke-free. A smoke-free environment has many advantages. Communities are protected from the toxic chemicals coming from smoking and vaping. Smoke-free rules also help people to quit by reducing triggers to smoke, such as seeing other people smoke.

Smoking and vaping are less visible and less socially acceptable in a smoke-free place. It’s important that children don’t see adults smoking or vaping around them. This helps to denormalise these habits.