In our battle to reduce the health , emotional and financial evils of smoking on our society, we clinicians need to continuously arm ourselves with knowledge of risks to do a better job of persuading patients to quit smoking. I find third-hand smoke risks are not very well known to clinicians or stressed enough during smoking-cessation counselling.
Third-Hand Smoke or THS is literally the “Ghost of a cigarette’s past” that lingers & lingers & lingers and haunts health of both smokers and non-smokers – especially kids living in such households – real spooky stuff. This illustration does a decent job explaining the risks. Let’s just say – if you are smelling it, you are getting it !
Test your knowledge !
Results
#1. What the heck is “Third Hand Smoke” ???
Third-hand is residual smoke that sticks to surfaces indoors including inside vehicles.
So even if no one currently smoking around you , if you can smell it – you are getting Third hand smoke !!
#2. True or False: Third hand smoke is harmful to non-smokers
Third-hand smoke is the same harmful chemicals that can become even more toxic when they get to react with other chemicals in the environment. But don’t take it from me – take from research done by a cigarette company itself
#3. How long does Third Hand Smoke risk linger after the last cigarette is smoked
The risks of toxicity from Third-hand smoke can linger for months !! One study found chemical traces even after 110 days after the last cigarette was smoked !
#4. What are the health risks associated with Third-Hand Smoke
Anytime you see “All of the above” it’s probably the right answer right ? 😉
Yes – third-hand smoke can increase risk for cancer, heart disease and irritation of the lungs and airways , eyes and nose for anyone exposed to it regularly
#5. How does Third-hand smoke enter your body ?
“Results show that while very volatile THS compounds (i.e., aromatics) are likely to be taken up by inhalation, highly water-soluble compounds tended to be dermally absorbed. Conversely, minimally volatile THS compounds with low solubility are predicted to be ingested through hand-to-mouth and object-to-mouth contact”
Click here for source article
