The term "third hand smoke" refers to the dust that settles in an area where cigarette smoking has occurred. This dust is created by the smoke produced by cigarettes and exhaling smokers. Experts have concluded that this material is also bad for one's health and adversely affects children who come in contact with surfaces where third hand smoke settles.Chicago Tribune: Experts warn of the dangers of "thirdhand" smoke (January 5, 2009)
Background
Cigarette smoking produces smoke that contains harmful chemicals as a by-product. Secondhand smoke has a known negative effect on the health of others who breathe it. From the study published in January 2009's "Pediatrics" journal, researchers have concluded that the infiltration of this smoke into the hair, clothing and surrounding surfaces where the smoking is taking place also produces a health risk. Containing over 250 poisonous materials, 11 of which are class-1 carcinogens, "third hand smoke" has been determined to be most dangerous for children. The reason for this is that children often are in closer contact with contaminated surfaces than adults.The New York Times: A New Cigarette Hazard... (January 3, 2009) Science Daily: Third-hand Smoke... (December 31, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Term coined by doctors at the MassGeneral Hospital for ChildrenThe New York Times: A New Cigarette Hazard... (January 3, 2009)
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
11 compounds found in third hand smoke are cancer causing carcingoensThe New York Times: A New Cigarette Hazard... (January 3, 2009)
-
Fact:
Contains 250 poisonous chemicals, gases and metalsScience Daily: Third-hand Smoke... (December 31, 2008)
-
Fact:
Small children are especially susceptibleScience Daily: Third-hand Smoke... (December 31, 2008)
