In Ohio: 18,900 deaths occur each year 314,000 children alive today will die prematurely because of smoking 27.6% of the adult population smoke 33.4% high school student smoke 36,800 kids (under 18) become daily smokers each year Northwest Ohio Strategic Alliance for Tobacco Control Steering Committee talking points March 2003 In Sandusky County: 36% of the adult population smoke 21% of mothers smoked during pregnancy 27% of our youth smoke 25% of our youth smokers began smoking between the ages of 11-14 Sandusky County Community Health Assessment 2001. Commissioned by Health Partners. Second hand smoke is the only source of air-borne nicotine and contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds; 43 are known to cause cancer. Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause immediate adverse effects-increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Other physical effects include eye irritation, throat irritation, coughing, chest discomfort and difficulty breathing. Medical studies have shown secondhand smoke to be a significant factor in illness and disease. In adults it is linked to: lung cancer, respiratory illness, heart disease, impotence, asthma attacks and impotence. In children it causes: asthma attacks, hearing loss, low birth weight, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, respiratory illnesses and ear infections. ● Secondhand smoke remains the third most preventable cause of death in America killing 53,000 American nonsmokers each year. ● In Ohio, tobacco costs $560.00 per Ohio household annually in state and federal tax burdens from smoking-caused government expenditures. ● In Sandusky County 21,500 residents are exposed to second-hand smoke in their home. In other words, 48% of the homes in Sandusky County contain second hand smoke.