Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is the combination of smoke exhaled by a smoker and smoke from a burning cigarette, cigar or pipe. This combination is deangerous for both the smoker and the nonsmoker. Secondhand smoke contains a mixture of more than 4,000 chemicals, more than 50 of which are cancer-causing agents (carcinogens).
Cities and towns may have additional local secondhand smoke regulations that are stricter than the state law. For information about local tobacco control regulations, contact your local health department/board of health.
This information is provided by the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation & Prevention Program within the Department of Public Health.