The dangers of
thirdhand smoke
Thirdhand smoke is the tobacco smoke contamination, or smoke
residue, that remains after a cigarette, cigar or other tobacco product
has been extinguished. The toxins linger in carpets, sofas, clothes, hair,
skin and on other surfaces long after smoking has ceased.
• D
angers of thirdhand smoke exposure include a higher risk of heart
disease, stroke and other smoking related diseases.
• Thirdhand
smoke is a health hazard for infants and children, who
are particularly vulnerable because they are often held close to hair,
clothes and skin. They can ingest tobacco residue by putting their
hands in their mouths after touching contaminated surfaces.
Infants exposed are more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS).
Infants and children have an increased risk of asthma. For those
who already have asthma, symptoms can worsen.
• O
nce on surfaces, tobacco residue can easily be reintroduced into the
air, resulting in particles that over time could contribute to cancer and
breathing problems, like asthma.
• T hirdhand smoke builds up over time and resists normal household
cleaning. It can’t be eliminated by airing out rooms, opening
windows or using fans or air conditioners, or confining smoking to
only certain indoor areas.
• P rotect against thirdhand smoke by including it in your organization’s
scent-free policy. If you do smoke, protect family, friends and
coworkers by washing hands and hair and by changing clothes before
coming in contact with nonsmokers, especially infants and children.
Infants, children and nonsmoking adults are at risk of tobacco-related health problems
when they breathe air or ingest or touch materials contaminated by thirdhand smoke.
Breathe Easy Coalition of Maine
389 Congress St. • Portland, ME 04101
phone: 207-874-8774 • fax: 207-874-8913
www.BreatheEasyMaine.org
Leading the way for tobacco-free
environments across Maine
Funding provided by the Partnership For A Tobacco-Free Maine, Maine CDC/DHHS Matt, G. E., et al. “Thirdhand tobacco smoke: Emerging evidence and arguments for a multidisciplinary research agenda.”
Environmental Health Perspectives September 2011: 1218-1226.
Smith, Caitlin O. “‘Thirdhand smoke’ exposure another threat to children.” AAP News Vol 30 No 11, November 1, 2009: 8.
Thirdhand Smoke. Americans for Nonsmokers Rights. Web. 18 April 2012.
Winickoff, Jonathan P. “Beliefs about the health effects of ‘thirdhand’ smoke and home smoking bans.”t Pediatrics Vol 123
No 1, January 1, 2009: 74-79.
