New study confirms third hand smoke can cause cancer

We have known for years that smoking is bad for a person's health. And we also know that second-hand smoke is dangerous for others who are often around smokers. A new study released today has found that third-hand smoke is also harmful to others -- and especially children.

A research study conducted by a team at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in California reported that children can easily pick up cancer-causing agents from cigarette smoke that adhere to surfaces. The cancer-causing agents can become stuck on dust particles, fabrics, and other surfaces. That makes them especially accessible to probing little fingers and hands of young children or grandchildren.

Who is at highest risk?

According to the researchers, "Because of their frequent contact with surfaces and dust, infants and children are particularly at risk". They touch the dangerous particles and their hands go straight to their mouths, eyes, and toys, allowing the harmful chemicals to enter their bodies.

This means it is extremely important to protect young children from the hazards of second and now third-hand smoke.

What can be done?

First of all, it's important to get help to stop smoking if you're a grandparent or parent who smokes. Even when people smoke outdoors, these cancer-causing agents enter the home when smokers re-enter. They cling to the smoker's hair, hands, clothing, shoes, and anything else where they find to settle. They later are transferred to surfaces inside the home.

Next, cleaning and sanitizing the area where children play is vital.  It takes more than a fan or an open window to air out a room of potential carcinogens. Using a safe disinfectant for surfaces, wipe down tables, chairs, walls, floors, and other surfaces where residual smoke can hide. Be sure to clean all toys and small objects frequently for children.

Third-hand smoke can cling to walls, carpet, drapes, furniture, and clothing. It can linger for months after the smoke is gone too. This creates an even more hazardous situation for children. Take precautions to minimize and eliminate risk for children.

Get help

If you or someone you know is a smoker, it's important to get help to stop smoking. It is an addiction and one that we know is not easy to break. But it can be done with persistence and determination.

There are many local smoking cessation resources in Richmond, Virginia.

1. Nicotine Anonymous Meetings are offered at Serenity Club, 107 W. Brooklyn Park Blvd., Richmond, VA.
2. Smoking Cessation Clinics are available at the VCU Health System (804.828.8786) and the VCU Office of Health Promotion (804.828.9355).
3. If you have a grandchild or child struggling with smoking, VCU students who want to quit smoking can get help at QUIT.
4. There is a State Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1.800.784.8669) that is funded by the Virginia Department of Health Tobacco Use Control Project.
5. Quit Plans can be found on the Smoke-Free Virginia website.
6. The American Cancer Society offers information, education, and stop-smoking support. You can also reach them at (804) 527-3797; 3961 Deep Rock Rd, Richmond, VA 23233.

Set an example

Living a healthy lifestyle is essential for everyone who wants to enjoy a long, full life. It's important to teach grandchildren and children how to live the healthiest life possible too. That means not smoking and if you do, get help and support to stop. Now it's even more important to take action against smoking since third-hand smoke can cause dangers not understood before now.

Set an example for children and other adults by living the healthiest life possible and avoid smoke in every way possible.

It's a gift you give yourself and those you love.

For more information: Visit the research article at  this website, or see the Reuters report on this study.