You are likely familiar with the concept of second-hand smoke, which occurs when you inhale smoke from someone else’s cigarettes. But have you heard of third-hand smoke? What is it?

Well, third-hand smoke refers to pollution that remains in the environment after second-hand cigarette smoke has been released. Fumes and particles get lodged in surfaces of clothes, furniture, vehicles, bedding, carpets, and toys.

Unlike the name, third-hand smoke is not only limited to the effects of smoke, but also to the residual chemicals left on surfaces. Individuals could easily be exposed to these chemical compounds by touching the contaminated surfaces or breathing in the lingering gasses on these surfaces.

Third-hand smoke can be particularly toxic if it reacts with common indoor pollutants. Together, they could create toxic mixtures that threaten the health of non-smokers, especially infants and children.

Unfortunately, third-hand smoke in the home is almost unavoidable if you have a family member who smokes.

Effects on infants

Third-hand smoke exposure may cause sudden infant death syndrome, which is commonly known as unexplained death in children aged below one year, usually in their sleep.

In addition, it could lead to health risks such as recurrent respiratory problems.

Effects on children

Together with infants, young children are considered the most vulnerable group when it comes to third-hand smoke. This is because children often touch surfaces and tend to put their hands and objects near or into their mouths.

Children who are exposed to third-hand smoke are more likely to have asthma, ear infections, and/or frequent respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia.

Effects on adults

Although adults are not as vulnerable, this does not mean they are immune from the effects. In fact, they might cough more often, and be at higher risk of cancer later in life – especially lung cancer – from repeated smoke exposure.

Moreover, third-hand smoke could also lead to other cancers such as:

• cervical cancer;
• oral cancer;
• renal cancer;
• bladder cancer;
• laryngeal/pharyngeal cancer (throat); and
• pancreatic cancer.

Effects on pregnant women

Third-hand smoke exposure could affect unborn babies as pregnant women are at risk of taking in toxins from the smoke into the bloodstream. A baby’s exposure to third-hand smoke could lead to respiratory illnesses after birth.

So, how do you remove smoke residue from surfaces? Third-hand smoke cannot be removed by leaving windows open, or using fans or air-conditioners. The best way to eliminate it is to:

• wash all your clothing, bedding and linens;
• thoroughly mop all hard surfaces;
• get your carpet and rugs professionally cleaned;
• clean all toys with soap and water regularly; and
• wash all other fabrics around your home, including furniture.

If you can still smell the smoke after cleaning, you probably haven’t cleaned them well enough – a thorough effort is required.

All in all, third-hand smoke is a relatively new concept, and researchers continue to study its possible dangers. In the meantime, the only way to protect non-smokers from it is to create an entirely smoke-free environment.

This article was written by DOC2US, a mobile application that allows you to talk to a doctor or any healthcare professionals via text chat at any time and from anywhere.