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Understanding thirdhand smoke

While the topics of firsthand and secondhand smoke are commonly talked about, thirdhand smoke, historically, has been less emphasized though it can make a big impact on respiratory health.

Firsthand smoke refers to the direct impact on the person smoking or vaping. Secondhand smoke refers to the impact on all people who inhale someone else’s smoke. Less well known, thirdhand smoke refers to the particles that settle out when a smoker exhales. These particles coat surfaces, which can be picked up, ingested, or inhaled by anyone but pose the greatest risk to growing children.

In children, thirdhand smoke exposure can increase risk of respiratory and infectious illnesses including asthma, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Compounds within thirdhand smoke are also known to be genotoxic, which means they can damage the DNA within the cells of exposed tissue.

Families can protect themselves from thirdhand smoke by:

  • Keeping homes and cars free of smoke
  • Wiping surfaces and vacuuming frequently to control dust
  • Replacing old carpet or rugs
  • Advocating for smoking bans in apartment buildings
  • Asking about the smoking history of homes or apartments prior to moving in
  • Avoiding buying used furniture from homes where there are known smokers

To learn more about this topic, visit thirdhandsmoke.org

More than 95% of children carry detectable levels of nicotine on their hands.*

*Even in homes considered smoke-free, researchers at Cincinnati Children’s and San Diego State University have discovered thousands of toxins found in tobacco making its way into growing kids.

Looking to quit tobacco and nicotine? To learn more or enroll in free support services, call 616.486.0385 or email lifestylemedicine@spectrumhealth.org

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