该结果涉及的公共卫生问题十分重要，因为几乎半数不吸烟的美国人仍然暴露于二手烟雾。二手烟雾是已知的人类致癌原，包含超过50种致癌化学物质。非吸烟人员暴露于二手烟雾会吸入与吸烟人员一样的有毒物质，即使短暂暴露于二手烟雾，对心血管系统也会迅速产生不良左右，从而增加心脏疾病和肺癌的危险。
 
　　Dangers of Secondhand Smoke Confirmed
 
　　Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25-30% and lung cancer by 20-30%, according to a comprehensive report issued by the U.S. Surgeon General.

　　The finding is of major public health concern due to the fact that nearly half of all nonsmoking Americans are still regularly exposed to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke, known as a human carcinogen, contains more than 50 cancer-causing chemicals. Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke inhale many of the same toxins as smokers, and even brief exposure to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and increases the risk for heart disease and lung cancer.