A new study recently released in Perth found higher levels of nicotine and other tobacco-related particles inside the homes of smokers compared with smoke-free households, even if people smoked outdoors. The study found that when smokers went indoors after smoking, they brought in particles on their bodies and clothes and breathed out contaminated smoke that could cause damage to non-smokers.

One of the conclusions from the 2006 Surgeon General’s report is that secondhand smoke exposure causes disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke. In addition, children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, ear problems, more severe asthma, respiratory symptoms and slower lung growth. More importantly, the report states that there is scientific evidence which indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

If one of your goals as an employer with a tobacco cessation program is to decrease health care spend in your population, then it’s not enough to only offer the program to employees covered by a company sponsored health plan. Even if those employees quit, they will still be affected by secondhand smoke of those not enrolled in company sponsored health plans, but also other household tobacco users. Plus, if other household members are using tobacco, they are affecting the health of your children which will still produce health care claims and cost to your organization. You will easily see the return in the extra budget used to save more lives. In addition to gaining healthier employees and employee families, employee retention and satisfaction will improve.