Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is in the involuntary or passive inhalation of smoke by somebody who is not a smoker. Smoke coming from cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other smoking paraphernalia, drifting in the wind and into a non-smoker's immediate environment, and then inhaled by a non-smoker, constitutes inhalation of secondhand smoke.

Since tobacco smoke is a known carcinogen, being directly linked to lung cancer, there has been legislation banning secondhand smoking in certain areas. Wisconsin is the 27th state to adopt a smoking ban in restaurants and bars. In July of 2010, smoking will also be banned in public places and in the workplace. Indoor smoking in all areas besides private homes is prohibited. In some hotel chains and rooms and assisted living areas, inside smoking will still be allowed.

Understanding the Risk

Secondhand smoke has also been linked to death and disease in children and adults. Parents who smoke can cause problems in the future for their children, including SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), heart disease, and other respiratory problems.

Proper precautions need to be taken to keep smokers from non-smokers in public places, including separating the areas between the two and providing proper ventilation in areas where smoking is prevalent. Employees count on their employers to provide proper areas to smoke and areas where non-smokers may be able to breathe easily without worrying about trapping smoke in their lungs.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has experienced injury or illness as a result of secondhand smoke, contact the Madison personal injury lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. at 800-242-2874 to learn more about your legal options.