WASHINGTON, June 27: Second-hand smoking is a serious health hazard that can kill children and non-smoking adults, the US Surgeon General warned in a report published on Tuesday.

“The health effects of second-hand smoke exposure are more pervasive than we previously thought,” Richard Carmona said in a statement.

“The scientific evidence is now indisputable: second-hand smoke is not a mere annoyance.

“It is a serious health hazard that can lead to disease and premature death in children and non-smoking adults.”

The report said infants and children are especially vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke as their bodies are still developing.

“Even brief exposure to second-hand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and increases risk for heart disease and lung cancer,” according to the report.—AFP