I Want to Avoid Tobacco and Second-Hand Exposure

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I Want to Avoid Tobacco and Second-Hand Exposure

We know that nicotine is addictive. Once a person is addicted to nicotine – supplied by a cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette, or other delivery method – it’s challenging to break away from that addiction and stop using the substance. The most effective way to avoid using tobacco and other nicotine products is to not start using them. Avoiding peer pressure or reacting to stress can be challenging… but can be done!

The best way to avoid secondhand exposure to smoke and other nicotine-related toxins from smoking is to avoid places where tobacco/nicotine products can be used. In other words, try to be in tobacco-free environments as much as possible.

There’s information to help you and those you care about, on both of these strategies.

NIH Tobacco Free Policies
At NIH, we’re fortunate that most of our work sites are covered under tobacco-free policies. Check out what they say – and if you see tobacco use, tell a supervisor. You have the right to not be exposed to second-hand smoke or nicotine at work.

Unexpected Facts about Secondhand Smoke
You may be surprised at some of the facts about secondhand smoke. Are you willing to find out? Take the short Secondhand Smoke Quiz to see what you already knew… and what’s new information to help you. More detailed information about secondhand smoke, as well as a striking (and downloadable) graphic poster, are available at BeTobaccoFree.gov.

Nicotine a Non-Starter
What does it take to avoid nicotine addiction altogether and be a non-starter? Both teens and adults will recognize the factors explained in this prevention report from the Surgeon General.