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Harmful Effects of Cigarette Smoke Residue

Third-hand smoke is a relatively new term, which describes the residue left behind after a cigarette is extinguished. Particles from a lit cigarette fall onto any nearby object, such as furniture, the floor, bedding or clothing. The particles are easily ingested by touching any affected surface with the skin, mouth or through inhalation.

According to a 2009 study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics, particles in third-hand smoke are deposited in a layer each time someone smokes. Particles can be found on every surface in the home, in household dust, and as toxic compounds that are present in the air. Although the residue cannot be seen, the odor is unmistakable. The stale cigarette odor on a smoker's clothing is an example of third-hand smoke.

  1. Chemicals

    • Cigarettes contain nearly 70 cancer-causing chemicals.

      Among the nearly 70 cancer-causing chemicals in cigarettes are formaldehyde, also found in embalming fluid; benzene, found in gasoline; polonium 210, a radioactive compound; and vinyl chloride, which is used to make plastic pipes. Some of the toxic metals are chromium, used in steel making; arsenic, also found in pesticides; cadmium, used for making batteries; and lead. Other chemicals include butane, toluene, methanol, methane, propane and radon.

      A study at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that cigarette smoke residue gets more toxic with time. The particles in third-hand smoke are very small, more irritating and potentially more harmful than those of secondhand smoke.

    Susceptibility in Children

    • Infants and toddlers are more likely to ingest cigarette smoke residue.

      Children are believed to be the most susceptible to the effects of third-hand smoke. Infants and toddlers are more likely to ingest particles by crawling on the floor, breathing in dust and touching objects with their hands or mouth. Cigarette butts, often picked up by curious children, are an additional source of third-hand smoke exposure.

    Health Effects

    • Exposure to cigarette smoke residue can affect the nervous system and brain development.

      Even low levels of third-hand smoke exposure can affect the nervous system and brain development in children and can lead to lower I.Q. levels. Like secondhand smoke, third-hand smoke contains chemicals which are known to cause cancer. In addition, third-hand smoke particles are much smaller than those of first or secondhand smoke, and therefore more easily inhaled into the lungs and more likely to affect people with lung diseases such as asthma. Prenatal exposure to third-hand smoke negatively affects infants' lung development, according to a study by by researchers at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed). Children exposed to third-hand smoke in utero are more likely to suffer from asthma and other breathing-related problems throughout their life.

    Prevention

    • A no-smoking policy within the home helps reduce third-hand smoke exposure.

      The most effective prevention against the negative effects of third-hand smoke is the complete absence of smoking. If smokers are unable or unwilling to quit entirely, a no-smoking policy within the home helps to reduce third-hand smoke exposure. Surfaces within the home can be cleaned to remove the residue.

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