Although many people are familiar with the concept of secondhand smoke, tobacco smoke exhaled by smokers and inhaled by those around them, few know much about thirdhand smoke. The dangers of thirdhand smoke are of particular concern for people with respiratory problems such as asthma and for children and babies of smokers.
Definition
Thirdhand smoke is the residue left behind on surfaces in the immediate environment when someone has been smoking, but has now stopped or left the vicinity. Some of the surfaces identified as harboring thirdhand smoke include upholstery, furniture, clothes, hair, rugs and drapes. Compounds from the smoke can later be released back into the air and affect people in the room.
Chemistry
Tar and nicotine get much of the press about dangerous chemicals present in cigarette smoke, and these compounds can be found in thirdhand smoke as well. In addition, according to MayoClinic.com, more than 200 other dangerous compounds can be found in thirdhand smoke. Some of these include cyanide, lead, ammonia, arsenic and polonium-210. The compounds in thirdhand smoke are particularly dangerous when they combine with nitrous acid, a common air pollutant frequently released from unvented gas appliances.
Dangers
Children and infants are particularly affected by thirdhand smoke, partially because they are lower to the ground than adults and therefore in closer proximity to rugs, carpets and furniture that may contain thirdhand smoke. Another reason is that because they are still developing, children's brains and bodies are more susceptible to pollutants. Of the compounds found in thirdhand smoke, cyanide has been shown to interfere with oxygen uptake, and lead has been linked to lower IQs in children exposed to it.
Recommendations
The recommendation by MayoClinic.com is to keep your home entirely smoke-free to avoid contamination of household surfaces by thirdhand smoke. Also, because smoke takes two to three minutes to clear out of the lungs, anyone who has been smoking should wait a few minutes before entering a smoke-free area to avoid releasing particles that might adhere to the environment. When someone quits smoking, they should do a thorough cleaning of their home, car and office to get rid of thirdhand smoke that has accumulated over the years.
Considerations
According to website Science Daily, some things that smokers think they are doing to help prevent exposing their children, relatives or friends to smoke actually don't help when it comes to thirdhand smoke. Fans do not destroy or prevent thirdhand smoke, nor does opening a window. Smoking outdoors may help remove secondhand smoke exposure, but thirdhand smoke may still cling to hair and clothing and be transported indoors to cling to household items.
