A study released today showed that third-hand smoke, nicotine residue lingering on clothes, furniture, curtains, etc., is also harmful to one’s health, just like first-and second-hand smoke.
The study showed that when a cigarette burns, nicotine is released in the form of a vapor. That vapor sticks to indoor surfaces (carpet, walls, furniture, curtains) where it can linger for months.
"Our study shows that when this residual nicotine reacts with ambient nitrous acid it forms carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines, or TSNAs," said Hugo Destaillats, a corresponding author of the study. "TSNAs are among the most broadly acting and potent carcinogens present in unburned tobacco and tobacco smoke," he said.
Because the most likely expose to TSNAs is through carpet, skin and clothing, infants and toddlers are at a high risk. Even if a parent or caregiver smokes outside, the residue sticks on their skin and clothes, and that is transferred to any surface the smoker comes in contact with and will linger. That residue is also transferred to the child either when he touches these surfaces and through contact with the smoker.
This holds true for those smoking in the car with the window open. Residue will still linger on the smoker’s skin, clothing and interior of the car.
This study shows that even occasional smoking by a parent/caregiver has adverse affects on the child.
Read more here.
A “Smoking Ban” was passed in Birmingham a few years ago, but through loopholes, some businesses were able to allow smoking to patrons, making it a very weak and ineffective ban. The American Cancer Society was not happy about similar loopholes when Hoover vowed to instill a smoking ban (ban went into effect Jan 2009).
The Coalition for a Smoke Free Alabama is working hard to ban smoking in all public places in the state. Visit their website and learn how you can support this initiative.
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