Third-hand smoke – New health risk of smoking
We’ve all heard of “secondhand smoke,” the result when smokers exhale and release carcinogens into the air around them. The harmful effects of secondhand smoke are well established. Thirdhand smoke is less familiar.
The term was coined in 2009 by doctors at Mass General Hospital for Children and is used for persistent gases and particles from tobacco smoke that stick to clothing, hair, skin, carpets, upholstery, and even paper tapestry.
We’ve all caught the smell of smoke after a smoker steps out of a confined space…this is a true example of thirdhand smoke according to new research.
Science has long known that tobacco smoke absorbs on surfaces; Until now, no one had investigated what might happen when these residual molecules come into contact with common pollutants in the atmosphere.
Scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory conducted laboratory tests and found “substantial levels” of toxins in the material exposed to the smoke. Such residues can react with a common indoor pollutant to create dangerous chemicals known as tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). This residue can remain for weeks or even months.
Therefore, smokers who can’t enjoy themselves with their children, or break the car window and smoke with their children in the back, unknowingly expose them to heavy metals, carcinogens, and even radioactive materials long after they smoke. of the cigarette has dissipated.
According to the researchers, thirdhand smoke is an unappreciated health hazard, adding fervor to the anti-smoking movement and the call to ban smoking in homes, vehicles, hotels and other public places. Young children are especially susceptible because they breathe closer to these surfaces and don’t hesitate to lick or suck on them.
In tests, the contaminated surfaces were exposed to high but reasonable amounts of nitrous acid, something quite common in the air that can come from unvented gas appliances, as well as most automobile engines and exhaust.
Exposure increased the levels of newly formed TSNA tenfold. Traces of TSNA were also observed on the internal surfaces of a truck belonging to a heavy smoker.
Researcher Lara Gundel of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory acknowledges: “Smoking outside is better than smoking inside, but nicotine residue sticks to the smoker’s skin and clothing. Those residues follow the smoker inside and spread everywhere. Think about it. on the lingering odor after a smoker re-enters after a “smoke break”.
Of course, tobacco advocates are skeptical of the danger. Simon Clark, director of UK smokers’ lobby group Forest, said: “The dose makes the poison and there is no evidence that exposure at such minute levels is harmful. However, that doesn’t seem to matter. The goal, Apparently, it’s raising alarm in the hope that people will quit or stop smoking.”
Regardless of what you believe, the new work suggests that making your home and vehicle smoke-free is a smart choice, especially if you have young children.
You can also limit exposure to thirdhand smoke and its side effects as much as possible: wash your hands, change your clothes, brush your teeth after smoking, and before holding or feeding infants and young children.