For years we’ve heard about the dangers of smoking. More recently, we are on guard against second hand smoke. A new study reveals the dangers of third hand smoke. Yes, you read it right, third hand smoke is the latest byproduct of smoking that we have to fear.

First of all, what the heck is third hand smoke? We know that first hand smoke is actually inhaling from the cigarette. Second hand smoke is inhaling the smoke exhaled from the smoker and that from the smoldering cigarette. Third hand smoke, the residue from second hand smoke, is the latest danger, in case you had not heard. Hugo Destaillats, a chemist with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in San Francisco, has this to say about third hand smoke:

“The burning of tobacco releases nicotine in the form of a vapor that adsorbs strongly onto indoor surfaces, such as walls, floors, carpeting, drapes and furniture. Nicotine can persist on those materials for days, weeks and even months.”

The study focused on the chemical reactions of the residual smoke with molecules in the air, specifically nitric acid. Lead author Mohamad Sleiman, also of Berkeley Lab, commented on this reaction that had, until now, not been addressed in other studies:

“Given the rapid sorption and persistence of high levels of nicotine on indoor surfaces, including clothing and human skin, our findings indicate that third-hand smoke represents an unappreciated health hazard through dermal exposure, dust inhalation and ingestion.”

We are all more likely to be exposed to this by either breathing in dust or by touching the affected carpet or clothes. With that in mind, the concern is that third hand smoke may pose the greatest threat to babies and toddlers. And, smoking outdoors does not necessarily fix the problem, as study co-author Lara Gundel, also of the Berkeley Lab, adds:

“Smoking outside is better than smoking indoors but nicotine residues will stick to a smoker’s skin and clothing. Those residues follow a smoker back inside and get spread everywhere.”

My thoughts on this study simply reflect the way I feel about smoking and smoking studies in general. First, I cannot stand cigarette smoke. I hate the smell, the way it affects my throat when I’m around it, the way it makes me and my hair smell after I’ve been around it. I am not a fan. However, I have to admit that I’ve become a bit cynical about all the smoking studies.

Over the years it appears as though the results of various studies related to smoking have varied depending on who is paying for the study to be conducted. Even the “studies” about all the dangers of second hand smoke have been questioned and challenged by some scientists and medical professionals.  So now that smoking provides another culprit of health hazard, my guess is that it’s more fodder for the debate over second (and now third) hand smoke.

Whatever the studies say, there is no debate about the danger of first hand smoke for smokers and second hand annoyance to most everyone else!

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(Original photo by jphilipg, used under Creative Commons license.)