Secondhand Smoke: A Matter of Life and Breath

This powerful video takes a hard look at secondhand smoke—-also called passive smoke—-and its continued impact upon non-smokers. Today, secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States, causing the deaths of 53,000 Americans each year. The video helps viewers learn more about this dangerous health concern. Viewers are offered information about two different kinds of secondhand smoke: mainstream smoke, which has been inhaled and filtered by the smoker’s lungs, and sidestream smoke, which rises directly from the tip of a burning cigarette. Sidestream smoke is 20 times more toxic than mainstream smoke. Students learn that secondhand smoke can cause serious diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, pneumonia and cancer. The video includes helpful advice from teen advocates who encourage viewers to avoid situations where they will be exposed to these carcinogenic toxins, and urge them not to smoke or support tobacco companies. Class activities in the Teacher’s Resource Book allow students to expand their knowledge about the dangers of tobacco.

Includes: 

video, plus teacher’s resource book, student handouts in digital format