By now most people are aware of the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. There are more than 4,000 chemicals (200 of which are poisons, and 43 which cause cancer) found in second-hand smoke. Haven't we been subjected long enough to all these poisons? Children with asthma, older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and perfectly healthy individuals are all affected by second-hand smoke. The EPA estimates that 3,000 American non-smokers die each year from lung cancer caused by second-hand smoke.