We’ve all heard of second-hand smoke.  It’s the smoke we inhale when others around us light up cigarettes.  But have you ever heard of third-hand smoke? You may not have, but researchers at MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston have just released a study using the term to describe the toxic particles that remain on our clothing, hair, furniture, etc. after someone near us has smoked.  And they warn that these particles can be dangerous!

Most of us ladies have gotten home after a long night at the club only to realize we brought that gross smoke smell home with us– it permeates our clothes and our hair wreaks of it… I used to think that was the worst of it.  But according to new information recently published in the Pediatrics journal, that smell is caused by tiny particles that are found in cigarette smoke that remain long after the smoke has disappeared, and those particles can be inhaled into our system with dangerous consequences for our health!  These particles stick around long after the smoke has gone, and remain a health threat to those who are exposed to them through clothing, furniture, wall paint, carpets, etc… anywhere that cigarette smoke can reach!  Researchers say these particles are particularly dangerous to young infants and children who may be exposed to them.

According to MSN Health and Fitness, cigarette smoke can contain “about 4,000 chemicals and a sizable number of carcinogens and contaminants, including benzene, butane and hydrogen cyanide.”  Infants and children exposed to these chemicals may be at extremely high risk for not only cancer, but also for impaired neurological development.  Infants can inhale these toxins by playing on furniture and surfaces contaminated with the chemicals, as well as being held or cuddling with smokers (or non-smokers who have been exposed to second- and third-hand smoke) who have ”third-hand” smoke on their clothing.

So how can smokers protect their children?  Experts advise that the best method is for smokers in the household to stop smoking!  But for those who have tried and can’t quite kick the habit (yet), they suggest that all smokers in the family smoke only OUTSIDE of the home and suggest designating the car as a ”smoke-free environment.”

They also suggest the following:

-Increase ventilation in the house by placing lots of green plants throughout the house, which will improve air quality.

-Painting walls that may have absorbed heavy amounts of “third-hand” smoke with “fresh coats of low-VOC paint to walls that may be full of residual contaminants.”

-When possible, rid the house of old furniture that may have years of contaminants embedded within.

-Scrub surfaces in those rooms designated for smoking well.

Information source: Third-Hand Smoke Is a First-Class Problem by Coeli Carr, MSN Health and Fitness

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