Third-hand smoke study adds another reason to stop smoking
by William HobsonA new study reveals that the lingering residue from tobacco smoke that clings to clothing, skin and upholstery can contain "substantial levels" of carcinogenic toxins.
Scientists at Berkeley in the US report that even though smoking laws have removed the health threat of second hand smoke to the outdoors, residues follow smokers back inside and may cause 'third hand' harm to others. The combination of nicotine residue and common indoor pollutants can create dangerous chemicals called tobacco-specific nitrosamines, or TSNA's.
This research provides yet another compelling reason to stop smoking. Hypnotherapy, exercise and other methods can help people overcome their addiction and remove the danger of third-hand smoke from their homes and surroundings.
Although smoking advocates have questioned the significance of the findings, if the claims of the authors are accurate then the dangers of smoking will always be passed on to people other than the smoker themselves. Parents in particular should be concerned as the researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory said "the biggest risk is to young children.''
"Those residues follow a smoker back inside and get spread everywhere" said Researcher Lara Gundel. "Dermal uptake of the nicotine through a child's skin is likely to occur when the smoker returns and if nitrous acid is in the air, which it usually is, then TSNA's will be formed."
