Smoking and secondhand smoke is dangerous and causes serious health problems for both the smoker and nonsmoker. It is especially harmful to those who are most vulnerable, such as the elderly, children, and unborn babies. It is a well-known fact that tobacco use and secondhand smoke causes heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, and increases the risk of
developing pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear infections in children. Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death and disease in the nation and in Santa Clara County.
There are many ways to get involved in the county's tobacco prevention efforts. Opportunities for youth and adult involvement exist within our coalitions and local community events. The Tobacco Prevention Program launched a new campaign in April 2011 to highlight the negative effects of secondhand smoke on families and children. To learn more about this campaign, current local policy initiatives, projects and how to get involved call us at 408-793-2700.