SECONDHAND SMOKE EDUCATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE

American Lung Association of Maryland hopes to increase awareness in Southern Maryland

The American Lung Association of Maryland offers a variety of materials on the dangers of secondhand smoke and information on how people who live, work of study in Southern Maryland can protect themselves and their family.

Secondhand smoke contains toxins and cancer-causing chemicals that can injure or even kill those that live, work or share space with smokers. The June 2006 U.S. Surgeon General’s report confirmed that secondhand smoke is a cause of lung cancer and heart disease and has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke because of their developing respiratory systems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 11 percent of children aged six years and under are exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes on a regular basis (four or more days per week).

The Secondhand Smoke Kit is a FREE packet that includes information on the effects of tobacco smoke on health and ways to make a home or business smokefree. It also contains information on the risk of secondhand smoke to children. To receive a Secondhand Smoke Kit or find a smoking cessation group in your area, contact the American Lung Association of Maryland at 1-800-LUNG-USA or visit www.marylandlung.org .

Freedom From Smoking Online, a FREE online smoking cessation program, is available on www.lungusa.org .

The American Lung Association of Maryland is the leading organization in Maryland working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association of Maryland is “Improving life, one breath at a time.”

For more information about the American Lung Association of Maryland or to support the work it does, call 1-800-642-1184 or log on to www.marylandlung.org