Scientists: Third Hand Smoke Also a Danger

Now scientists are finding third hand smoke can be dangerous too.

What is third hand smoke and how can it be avoided?

We know smoking can harm us.  And if we live with a smoker, that second hand smoke we inhale can affect us as well.

Burning cigarette in an ashtray

“Second-hand smoke is when somebody smokes in the presence of other people and they inhale that smoke. That causes all kinds of problems such as lung cancer, such as C-O-P-D, such as asthma and respiratory infections in children,” says Dr. Norman Edelman, director of the American Lung Associationю

Now scientists are finding that third hand smoke, which is the fumes that come off somebody who has smoked  elsewhere can have a negative impact on our  health, as well as our children’s.

“There’s evidence now that third-hand smoke is a risk factor in children  like chronic ear infections and chronic respiratory infections,” Dr. Edelman explains.  “And if your clothes reek of smoke, your hair reeks of smoke, your little child is going to get an asthma attack, more than likely.”

How to avoid passing on your smoke to others?  The American Lung Association says, try to quit.  If that’s not possible,  take the smoking outside, where the air is less concentrated and the smoke fumes are not as heavy and won’t be left on clothing.

“Smokers should know that they’re not only doing damage to their own hearts and lungs and other organs but they’re doing damage to the people around them.”