Third Hand Smoke
The Hidden Hazard of Third Hand Smoke
Tobacco use causes 20% of cancer deaths worldwide, and it is estimated that tobacco-related deaths will result in 10-million deaths annually by 2020. We've come a long way since the mid-1900's in understanding the negative health effects of tobacco to smokers.
More recently, we've learned that second hand smoke also has deleterious consequences for those who are exposed to it. Yet, the concept of third hand smoke goes largely unnoticed even though a study in 1953 first identified the problem.
What is third hand smoke?
- Third hand smoke is nicotine residue that remains on surfaces including walls, doors, drapery, carpets, clothes, furniture, flooring material, and acoustic tiles in ceilings. This pollutant also can be inhaled when it is re-emitted through dust in the air, and it can react with substances in the environment to create secondary pollutants on surfaces.
- People, especially seniors and children, and pets are affected by this under-appreciated health hazard through skin exposure, dust inhalation and ingestion.
- Some chemicals* found in third hand smoke are:
-hydrogen cyanide (used in chemical weapons)
-butane (used in lighter fluid)
-toluene (found in paint thinners)
-arsenic
-lead
-carbon monoxide
-polonium-210, a highly radioactive carcinogen - Research demonstrates that tobacco smoke is a toxic substance with no safe level of exposure, and that the risks from exposure are largely dose related.
*Visit the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry for information on health risks associated with these chemicals.
Who is affected by third hand smoke?
- Third hand smoke affects people who live in homes, hotels, or any indoor environment that was used long term by smokers. Even cars used by smokers can have third hand smoke residue.
- Babies, toddlers, and children are at greater risk of negative health effects because:
1) they inhale 40 times more than adults
2) they have greater hand/object/mouth contact so they absorb proportionately more through ingestion
3) have greater absorption through their skin
- Data show that individuals classified as low socio-economic status tend to live in more multi-unit housing where smoking may not be banned.
If your neighbor smokes, it can get into your apartment through the ventilation system.
Third hand smoke can be present in apartments even if they have been vacant for two months and are cleaned and prepared for new residents.
How can Environmental Health professionals help?
Third hand smoke is part of an individual’s built environment, which often they have little control over. Environmental health professionals seek to protect people against environmental factors that may adversely impact human health; they are instrumental in enforcing regulations and providing health education to limit third hand smoke exposure and associated disease outcomes.
Why have I never heard about third hand smoke before?
It took decades to develop the proponderance of evidence and prove that smoking causes lung cancer and a multitude of other adverse health effects. It took additional years to prove second hand smoke also kills.
It was only recently that scientists identified third hand smoke from tobacco combustion lingering on clothing, bedding, carpeting and furniture and attributed their contribution to adverse health effects.
What can be done to limit exposure of third hand smoke?
A 2010 study indicated that third-hand smoke accumulates in smokers' homes and persists even after homes have been vacant for two months and are cleaned and prepared for new residents.
This study also indicates that there is not much that can be done in terms of cleaning third hand smoke in affected places. Recommendations to minimize potential negative health effects are:
- Avoid any indoor environment that was used long-term by smokers.
- Insist that smokers go outdoors and do not smoke in homes or in cars.
- Support smoking bans and enforcement of them.
- In homes with long term smoke exposure consider replacing carpets, ventilation systems, furniture, etc.
While research needs to be done on how to clean up third hand smoke, it is best to simply avoid any indoor environment that was used long-term by smokers.
Smoke Free Places in the U.S.
To find local ordinances, maps, and resources for smoke-free venues, visit No-Smoke.org.
Many of the following indoor places in the U.S. have become smoke free:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Colleges and Universities
- Correctional facilities
- Hotels/motels
- Airports
- Major League Baseball, National Football League stadiums
- Multi-Unit housing
- Casinos and Gambling Facilities
- Pharmacies (CVS)
- Bars and restaurants
- Workplaces
Many outdoor areas are becoming smoke free in the U.S. as well, such as:
- Beaches
- Public Transit spaces
- Parks and zoos
- Outdoor patios
Maps at http://www.no-smoke.org/goingsmokefree.php?id=519#maps
