After years of research that substantiated links between tobacco and lung cancer; and second-hand smoke and chronic illnesses, a latest study has revealed the threat caused by a new culprit- ‘third-hand’ smoke, especially to infants and toddlers. First-hand smoke is inhaled directly by smokers, individuals present in the vicinity of the active smoker inhale second-hand smoke and third-hand smoke is nothing but the lingering residue from second-hand smoke, that clings to upholstery, curtains, carpets etc.
Scientists have found potential cancer-causing chemicals on indoor surfaces that have been contaminated by tobacco smoke, even after the active smoker has left the room for hours or even days. As per the study, the residue of nicotine that continues to remain on surfaces can end up reacting with another chemical present in the air to form potent carcinogens, termed tobacco-specific nitrosamines or TSNAs.
Infants and toddlers are more threatened, as they tend to breathe more closely, or lick and suck upholstery that is contaminated with third-hand smoke. Amanda Sandford of Action on Smoking and Health said: “The harmful effects of second-hand smoke are already well-established but this study adds a new dimension to the dangers associated with smoking and provides further evidence of the need to protect children, in particular, from exposure to tobacco smoke.
More about the study: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nicotine-study-sparks-thirdhand-smoke-fears-1893212.html
Written by Snigdha Taduri for Biomed-ME