Secondhand Smoke: A Matter of Life and Breath DVD is a great Tobacco Prevention program for Great American Smoke-Out or Red Ribbon Week

Today, secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States, causing the deaths of 53,000 Americans each year.  Viewers are offered information about two different kinds of secondhand smoke: mainstream smoke, which has been inhaled and filtered by the smoker's lungs, and sidestream smoke, which rises directly from the tip of a burning cigarette.  Sidestream smoke is 20 time more toxic than mainstream smoke.  Students learn that secondhand smoke can cause serious diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, pneumonia and cancer.  The program includes helpful advice from teen advocates who encourage viewers to avoid situations where they will be exposed.  Class activities in the Teacher's Resource Book allow students to expand their knowledge about the dangers of tobacco.  Grades 7-12