You are likely familiar with secondhand smoke exposure that occurs from inhaling smoke from someone else using cigarettes. But have you come across third-hand smoke and know what it is? Thirdhand smoke refers to pollution that remains in the environment after secondhand cigarette smoke has been released. Smoking related fumes and particles get lodged in surfaces such as clothes, furniture, bedding, carpets, vehicles, toys, etc. Unlike the name, third hand smoke is not limited to the effects of smoke only but also to the residual chemicals left on surfaces that have encountered cigarette smoke.
Individuals can be easily exposed to these chemical compounds by touching the contaminated surfaces or breathing in the lingering gasses left on these surfaces. Thirdhand smoke can be particularly toxic if it reacts with common indoor pollutants. Together, they can create toxic mixtures which threaten the health of non-smokers — especially infants and young children. They are most vulnerable when it comes to smoking effects.
How does it affect non-smokers?
Thirdhand smoke is almost unavoidable if you have a family member who smokes. Although third-hand smoke is a relatively new concept and not fully understood, it can affect everyone in your family regardless of age.
Infants
Thirdhand smoke exposure may cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is commonly known as unexplained death in children below 1 year of age, usually in their sleep. . Besides, it may also causes some health risks such as recurrent respiratory problems.
Children
Young children are considered to be one of the most vulnerable groups of people when it comes to third-hand smoking. This is because children, while busy exploring the world using their senses, are bound to touch surfaces and tend to put their hands and objects near their mouth. It is shown that children who are exposed to thirdhand smoke are more likely to have:
- Asthma
- Ear infections
- Frequent respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia
Adults
Although adults are not as vulnerable as infants or children, that does not mean that they are immune from the effects of it. In fact, they may cough more often, as well as at a higher risk of cancer later in life, especially lung cancer, from the repeated smoke exposure. Moreover, it may also lead to other cancers such as: :
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Cervical cancer
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Oral cancer (mouth)
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Renal cancer (kidneys)
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Bladder cancer
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Laryngeal/pharyngeal cancer (throat)
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Pancreatic cancer (pancreas)
Pregnant women
Thirdhand smoke exposure can affect the unborn baby as pregnant women are at risk of taking in toxins from the smoke into the bloodstream, which can then transfer over to the fetus. A baby’s exposure to thirdhand smoke can lead to respiratory illnesses after birth.
So, how to remove the smoke residue on the surfaces?
Thirdhand smoke cannot be removed by leaving windows opened, using fans or air conditioners. Here are some tips for you to eliminate the residual chemicals left on the surfaces:
- Wash all your clothing, bedding and linens
- Thoroughly mop all hard surfaces
- Get your carpet and rugs professionally cleaned
- Clean all toys with soap and water regularly
- Wash all other fabrics around your home, including furniture
- If you can still smell the residue after cleaning, you probably didn’t clean them properly! A thorough cleaning is required, as there is still some residue left on the surfaces.
All in all
Thirdhand smoke is a relatively new concept, and researchers are still studying its possible dangers. In the meantime, the only way to protect non-smokers from thirdhand smoke is to create a smoke-free environment. If you are contemplating to quit smoking and need assistance with it, feel free to reach out to our doctors at DOC2HOME App.
Medically reviewed by Ashwini Nair, MB BCh BAO.
References:
- Thirdhand Smoke: Babies, Symptoms, SIDS, Effects, and More. Accessed May 28, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/health/thirdhand-smoke
- The dangers of thirdhand smoke. Mayo Clinic. Accessed May 28, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/third-hand-smoke/faq-20057791