The National Cancer Institute explains that smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the U.S. and almost 20 percent of people smoke. For many, lighting a cigarette in the home is no big deal and no consideration is given to the effects on the home or others who live there. However, smoking inside the home can be deadly to family members and friends.
Secondhand Smoke
The American Cancer Association explains that secondhand smoke, which is the smoke exhaled by a smoker or smoke that comes off the lit end of a cigarette, can cause health problems when inhaled by bystanders. Spouses and children of smokers are particularly vulnerable to secondhand smoke when the smoker chooses to smoke inside the home. Inhaling secondhand smoke can make family members and visiting friends more likely to develop cancer, heart disease, breathing problems and asthma. Infants exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 38,000 people die each year as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Third-Hand Smoke
A new concern with smoking in the home is third-hand smoke. According to MayoClinic.com, third-hand smoke is the term used to describe smoke that lingers on surfaces such as furniture, rugs, drapes or other household items long after the cigarette has been put out. These residual smoke particles contain over 200 toxins that can be released into the air of the home. Family members and guests who inhale these toxins may be more at risk for lung disease, cancer and other diseases related to cigarette smoke. In fact, third-hand smoke may be even more dangerous than secondhand smoke, according to a 2010 Science Daily report. This is because third-hand smoke particles can interact with nitrous acid in the air and form even more cancerous particles that were not present in the original smoke.
Smell and Cleaning
Cigarette smoking leaves a distinctive odor in the home that is difficult and expensive to remove. Because the particles can seep into clothing, everyone who lives in a home where cigarette smoking occurs may carry the scent with them to work, school or social activities. Air purifiers do not typically rid the air of the aroma. If the smell seeps into the walls, ceiling and floors, it may make the home more difficult to sell or rent later and may even emanate into the homes of neighbors, causing potential disputes.
