A recent US study shows the dangers of third-hand smoke - the residue of tobacco that clings to surfaces such as clothes and furniture. Infants and toddlers are particularly at risk.
The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS) shows that nicotine, released when a cigarette burns, collects on surfaces like walls, carpets, curtains, furniture and clothes. These collections of nicotine residue react with nitrous acid, a common indoor air pollutant, to produce potent carcinogens - cancer-causing substances.
Third-hand smoke affects people when inhaled or when contact is made with the skin. It is particularly dangerous to infants and toddlers. A child living in a house with smokers will be picking up third-hand smoke while lying on carpets, playing with toys or touching furniture if these items have been near someone smoking.
Opening a window to air out the room does not remove the risks of third-hand smoke. Even smoking outdoors, while better than smoking indoors, isn't risk-free since the clothes of smokers will carry third-hand smoke back inside when them.
Nicotine can cling to material for weeks and even months. This confirms previous studies which have shown that tobacco smoke lingers in rooms long after smokers have left.
There are many services in Ottawa to help parents and others quit smoking. For example, the Ottawa Public Health Parent-Child Health Program offers information and support to pregnant women and their partners who want to quit smoking. Relapse programs and support groups are also available for people who have recently quit or who relapsed in their quitting. And Kick Butt for Two is a free 8-week program for young single parents and pregnant teens.
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