Ever Heard of ‘Third-hand Smoke’?

Steven — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:08:13 +0000

Most of us know about the dangers of second-hand smoke. But have you heard about third-hand smoke? If not, you’re not alone. A new Harvard study suggests that less than half of all US households have heard of the term, which refers to the residual toxic chemicals that can cling to people’s hair, clothing, furniture, carpeting, and other household surfaces, even after second-hand smoke has cleared the room. It’s what one smells when someone who was just smoking walks into a room, or when you enter a hotel room where people were smoking. Third-hand smoke is especially harmful to children and infants because they are more likely to inhale the chemicals when held in close proximity to a smoker, or someone who was exposed to second-hand smoke. Children are also more likely to touch and lick household surfaces, thus ingesting the toxins, which pose a cancer risk. Therefore, simply airing out a room, or even quitting smoking, may not completely protect children from the dangers of smoking. Parents should be cognizant of potential sources of third-hand smoke. A good tip is to change your clothing prior to cradling your child if you’ve been exposed to cigarette smoke.

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Ever Heard of ‘Third-hand Smoke’?