Deepa Prasad, MPH, shares what third-hand smoke is, the health risks of being exposed to third-hand smoke, and how you can reduce your family’s risk of health issues due to third-hand smoke.
What is third-hand smoke?
Third-hand smoke is a harmful byproduct of indoor smoking, created by the residue that clings to indoor surfaces where smoking occurs. This residue mixes with dust and indoor pollutants and becomes toxic. Most people are only familiar with the health risks of second-hand smoke (and of course, first-hand smoke), but third-hand smoke deserves equal attention. Like second-hand smoke, third-hand smoke impacts smokers and non-smokers alike.
What are the risks of exposure to third-hand smoke?
Third-hand smoke contains many toxic compounds that are also present in second-hand and first-hand smoke. This raises concerns about health conditions such as cancer, asthma, and allergies. Young children crawling on carpets and putting household items in their mouths are at greatest risk of exposure to third-hand smoke, according to research. Adults may be at increased risk if they are employed in settings that permit smoking or if they handle items owned by smokers.
Why is smoking in homes and cars so threatening?
Contrary to popular belief that third-hand smoke can be confined to a single room or aired out by opening the car window, increasing research reveals that smoke can coat walls, fabrics, and common household items and persist long after smoking has occurred. The residue lingers on the skin, hair, and clothes of a smoker and persons exposed to second-hand smoke. Often unseen, this residue builds over time, becoming increasingly dangerous and resistant to cleaning efforts.
What can I do to reduce my family’s risk?
Visits to environments that allow smoking can present a health risk. For example, third-hand smoke can contaminate ventilation systems or absorb into curtains and mattresses. Further studies are being conducted to uncover the unique risks associated with third-hand smoke and ways to address them.
Public health experts recommend that parents keep their children out of environments known to have third-hand smoke, such as the home or vehicle of a smoker. The only way to be protected from third-hand smoke is to avoid environments in which smoking has occurred.
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