by George Tucker

Created on: January 14, 2010   Last Updated: January 15, 2010

The Dangers Of Third-hand Smoke: Another Reason To Stop Smoking

Second-hand smoke is commonly acknowledged as a danger to non-smokers. Second-hand smoke is defined as smoke that is inhaled indirectly, simply from being in the presence of a smoker, or of burning tobacco. A new study published in the May 6, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology described severe blood vessel injury caused by as little as 30 minutes in a smoky room. Second-hand smoke contributes to asthma, emphysema, cognitive impairment and a host of other health hazards.

It's fairly easy to understand the risks associated with second-hand smoke. But what about third-hand smoke? And why is it dangerous?

What is third-hand smoke?

Third-hand smoke is a term coined in the January 2009 issue of the medical journal Pediatrics. A group of doctors from the Boston-based MassGeneral Hospital for Children published a study of the risks posed by third-hand smoke to children.

Technically, third-hand smoke is an invisible layer of toxic gases and particles that stick to surfaces like skin, hair and fabrics. This residue lingers much longer than second-hand smoke. This is problematic because third-hand smoke contains 250 toxic substances including arsenic, hydrogen cyanide, polonium-210 and lead in third-hand smoke. 

You may experience third-hand smoke as a smell: that pungent aroma that tells you a co-worker just came inside from a smoke break. Or the faint bitter odor in a rental car. But what most people don't realize is that the smell is not only unpleasant. Third-hand smoke is truly dangerous.

Why is third-hand smoke so bad?

The primary reason third-hand smoke is dangerous, especially to children, is its toxicity. Of the 250 toxins isolated in third-hand smoke, eleven are Class 1 carcinogens (meaning they are known to cause cancer in human beings). Class 1 carcinogens are considered to be an environmental hazard as well as a health hazard.

The other reason third-hand smoke is so bad is that it is insidious. Because it is not widely recognized as dangerous, third-hand smoke is more likely to pose a risk to children. Most smokers believe that if they turn on a fan or open a window, second-hand smoke is dissipated. They believe by that simple action that they remove the threat from others. The discovery of the dangers of third-hand smoke mean that the smoker carries danger with them wherever they go. 

How can third-hand smoke dangers be avoided?

Health risks posed by third-hand smoke can only be prevented by complete avoidance. That means never going anywhere that people have smoked. It also means not allowing smokers into your own home. 

Simply by being aware that third-hand smoke is a health hazard, you can begin to take steps to minimize its impact on your life. Remember: when in doubt, trust your nose. If you smell those smoky odors, then you are at risk.

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