According to new US research, smoke goes deep into objects in an enclosed space. And this so-called third-hand smoke can be dangerous to your health, even long after you’ve quit.
Even without smoking, tobacco can damage health. Non-smokers are already familiar with passive smoking – that is, breathing in cigarette smoke, also known as second-hand smoke.
But smoking creates yet another danger, that of “third-hand smoke”. This refers to residual tobacco substances that are in and on fabrics, furniture, floors and walls. Indoors, this third-hand smoke can constitute a health hazard even years later.
These are the findings of a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Third-hand smoke is made up of nicotine, released in the smoke, and of a molecule naturally present in the indoor air called nitrous acid.
The meeting of these two substances leads to the creation of molecules called tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), which are highly carcinogenic.
“Three different TSNAs were formed in this reaction, two of which are known carcinogens”, warns a press release based on the study.
While for a few hours they can be detected by the smell of cold tobacco, these substances settle permanently in the homes. Always present on surfaces, they evolve and come into contact with the inhabitants.
“Five different exposure pathways exceeded the ‘No Significant Risk Level’ under realistic scenarios, including inhalation, dust ingestion, direct dermal contact, gas-to-skin deposition, and epidermal nitrosation of nicotine”, the experts noted.
Continuous exposure to these substances can significantly increase the risk of cancer.
It is pertinent to highlight that third-hand smoke can't be eliminated by airing out rooms, opening windows, using fans or air conditioners, or confining smoking to only certain areas of a home. Traditional household cleaning often cannot effectively remove third-hand smoke from many surfaces.
Therefore, the recommendation is to not smoke! Failing which, to smoke outside.
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