We all know that smoking is bad for you, and particularly for young children and babies, but a new study finds that the residue left behind on hair, clothing, skin and furniture, also poses a risk. That residue, termed third-hand smoke (defined as "tobacco residue clinging to surfaces"), is the focus of a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
What is third-hand smoke?
According to the American Cancer Society, "third-hand smoke" is a term that is sometimes used to refer to the post-smoking toxic residue left behind to float in the air and settle on surfaces once the obvious indications of smoking have dissipated.
Who's at risk?
"The biggest risk is to young children," said Lara Gundel, a co-author of the 2010 study.
An earlier study, published in the published in the January 2009 issue of the journal Pediatrics, was lead by Dr. Jonathan P. Winickoff, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. “Everyone knows that second-hand smoke is bad, but they don’t know about this,” said Winickoff.
When asked to explain why the risks associated with exposure to third-hand smoke are different for children and adults, he said, "The developing brain is uniquely susceptible to extremely low levels of toxins. Children ingest twice the amount of dust that grown-ups do. Effectively, they'll get 20 times the exposure."
But aren't cigars safer than cigarettes?
Dr. Edward C. Rosenow III, Mayo Clinic emeritus internist, says, "Most cigars contain as much nicotine as several cigarettes. A large cigar may contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. Secondhand smoke from cigars contains higher concentrations of toxins than does secondhand smoke from cigarettes. Plus, cigars often burn for longer periods of time, which leads to greater amounts of secondhand smoke in the air."
How to avoid exposure
Contrary to popular belief, opening a window or turning on a fan don't eliminate your risk. "Smoking outside is better than smoking indoors but nicotine residues will stick to a smoker's skin and clothing," said Gundel. "Those residues follow a smoker back inside and get spread everywhere."
Dr. Richard D. Hurt, with the Mayo Clinic says, "The only way to fully protect your children — and nonsmoking adults in your family — is to make your home and car smoke-free. Consider this added bonus: Enforcing these smoke-free zones may help smokers quit and reduce the risk of teens becoming smokers."
Do you or someone you love need help to quit? Try these sources for help and support
- Quitline, a government sponsored program, offers extensive resources and support for those in your family who are ready to make that all important decision for their health, and the health of those around them. Call toll-free today, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
- Stone Family Chiropractic offers coaching seminars that can help you or your loved one find success when trying to quit. Located on Bells Ferry Road, just ¼ mile north of Highway 575 next to Walgreen’s (at Hawkins Store Road). Call, or email, for more information: 770-926-8746
Comments
You've got to be kidding me. The percentage of the country that is constantly slipping into a living (or dying in many cases)Hell due to alchohol & substance abuse causes FAR more damage than this waste of recources. We see detoxes & treatment facilities closing daily yet anything that will fuel taxes (tobacco tax, possibly?)gets the full attention of these dictator-like budget & time eaters.
From DUI, fetal alchohol syndrom, physical, mental & sexual abuse from the use & abuse of drugs & alcholhol, there are FAR better things to spend our resources on.
How about all the chemicals used in our foods? That must be safe!
What is next, four-hand, fith-hand......smoke. There is still no solid evidence/facts to support second-hand smoke, so why not add third-hand smoke to the arguement for what is really an attempt to eliminate smoking by all the so-called "do gooders". The same people that have no problem drinking in front of their kids, or even worse driving a car with thier kids in the car.
I wonder how we ever made it from children of the 50's and 60's, to being health adults, when there was far more smoking by parents at home and in cars.
Maybe it is time to attack every fredom of choice that we have, or just take another pill in front of the kids to solve all your problems. There is far more today for parents to worry about then the so-called effects of third-hand smoke.
Why can't they give us a link to the "study?" One, if the smoke is gone it's not "smoke." Two, what are the conditions of the study? My study finds that cigars are enjoyable and no one is complaining, are health, and tired of all the P.C. whining. Get a life, have a cigar, and relax. P.S. - Is Al Gore behind this too?
And maybe global warming is real....
How many LIES are they going try on us. Third Hand smoke? What a JOKE people are not at a risk from Second Hand smoke let alone Third if thats the case then what about second hand smoke from Grilled Chicken cooked of a hot flame, or Third Hand smoke(Health Dept says it has as much carcinogens as a pack of cigarettes) ? I keep saying this if people are concerned about cigarette smoke WHY do they keep letting the Cigarette Companies make Cigarettes with 60% Chemicals and stale tobacco, stems, and Paper(mixed in with the tobacco). Besides it NOT the Nicotine thats additive but the Chemicals added that IS : Modern Marvels:Tobacco. These Anti-smoke people are UN-American its one thing to have some places smoke free but they want the WORLD to be smoke free and we have the right to smoke and it is a LIE about Second Hand Smoke. Another Lie is Pipe and Cigars ARE SAFER then Cigarettes because [the real ones not drug store swisher sweets]are not made with any of the chemicals found in cigarette
I thought the article was great. I think most commentors above prefer to live in their own little dream worlds where the only things bad for others are things they don't do! It surprises me little those who don't think second hand smoke is harmful also question climate change. The trouble with science is that most of the time, its right.
Datrebor,
While you may enjoy killing yourself, as a non-smoker, I refuse to allow your ignorance to kill me and my unborn child. Your assertion of "lies" are unfounded and unsupported by research/evidence. As an American, I have a RIGHT to breathe clean air. May you die in peace in your stale smoke, but I will be damned if I will go down with you.
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