Why am I being warned about potential exposure to chemicals in designated smoking areas?
- Tobacco smoke is on the Proposition 65 list because it causes cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm.
- Nicotine in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and other chemicals released in aerosol and vapor from e-cigarettes are also on the Proposition 65 list because they cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about exposure to listed chemicals.
Designated smoking areas can expose you to chemicals on the Proposition 65 list.
DESIGNATED
SMOKING AREAS
- Tobacco smoke from cigarettes, cigars, pipes, cigarillos, and hand-rolled cigarettes contains several thousand different compounds.
- When e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, and other vaping devices are used, they can release nicotine and other listed chemicals in aerosol.
- Examples of tobacco-related chemicals that can be found in designated smoking areas include acetaldehyde, acrylamide, arsenic, 1,3‑butadiene, benzene, cadmium, carbon monoxide, hexavalent chromium, formaldehyde, lead, mercury, nickel, nicotine, and styrene.
- Cannabis (marijuana) smoke contains many of these same compounds, and is on the Proposition 65 list of chemicals that cause cancer. Cannabis smoke is also on the Proposition 65 list because if a pregnant woman smokes cannabis, this can affect the development of the child.
How does exposure to chemicals occur in designated smoking areas?
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- During pregnancy, some chemicals in tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosols can pass from mother to baby.
How can I reduce my exposure to chemicals in designated smoking areas?
- If you visit designated smoking areas, stay no longer than necessary.
- Do not allow children to spend time in or near designated smoking areas.
- If you smoke tobacco or use tobacco or nicotine products, try to quit.
For more information:
General Fact Sheets and Resources
- US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
Scientific Information on Tobacco Smoke
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Air Resources Board (ARB) - World Health Organization (WHO)
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)- IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, vol. 100 E (2012). “Tobacco Smoking” and “Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke” in Personal Habits and Indoor Combustions, pages 43-263.
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
