Scientists consider that cigarette smoking can be even more dangerous and warn smokers to beware of a particular residue lingering to any surface and named as “third-hand smoke”.

Have you ever felt that odious scent of tobacco smoke emitted by a smoker’s hair or clothes? Or maybe you have entered a small room and was embarrassed why it smells like somebody has puffed there, when it couldn’t be so. If your answer is positive, they you are welcomed into the world of third-hand smoke.

Prof. Jonathan Winickof, the author of the research that discovered that phenomenon says that third-hand smoke is a residue found on the surfaces after smokers extinguish their cigarettes. The findings are revealed in the journal Pediatrics. The research showed that many people, especially smokers, are not aware that third-hand smoke – a mixture of toxic chemicals that remain on bedding, carpeting and furniture for up to seven days after a cigarette is extinguished – is highly dangerous for minors.

During the research, Prof. Winickof and his team surveyed more than 1.000 adults, both non-smokers and smokers, the overwhelming majority of which responded positively to the question whether second-hand smoke is hazardous. However, when the respondents were asked if they considered “that inhaling air in an area now where cigarettes were lit up yesterday may put the health of minors at risk”, just 45 percent of smokers and less than 70 percent of non-smokers responded positively.

The term “third-hand smoke” was introduced during the research led by Prof. Winickof. Though, this phenomenon was relatively new, it has been a highly concerning issue for the scientists for the last several years.

“The concept “third-hand smoke” has been defined only now, however, we have been studying it for a while”, declared Stanton Glant, head of the University of California Department of Tobacco Research and Education. He added that toxicity levels found in tobacco smoke are dramatically higher than other toxic chemicals, for example, from automobile exhaust. However, Dr. Glantz admitted that there are no reliable studies proving that third-hand smoke causes health complications, in contrast to second-hand smoke.

The latest issue of Pediatrics features an interview with Professor Jonathan Winickoff, who answers the most crucial questions regarding third-hand smoke.

What is the difference between second and third-hand smoke?

The term third hand smoke is relates to the residue that accumulates on the surfaces after cigarettes are smoked. While visible part of tobacco smoke, i.e. second-hand smoke could be eliminated from the room, third-hand smoke remains in form of a residue there. It can’t be measured or eliminated because it is invisible. Smokers don’t see that residue, and don’t even imagine how hazardous it is for the health of their children. In addition, smokers themselves harm their children and relatives, because their clothes and hair emit chemicals.

Why third-hand smoke is harmful?

As well as tobacco smoke, the residue brings and exposure to hundreds hazardous chemicals contained in cigarettes and emitted when smoking.

By coining the notion “third-hand smoke”, what are you willing to achieve?

The research highlights the need for all the smokers to give up smoking, as that is the only available strategy to protect themselves, their relatives and children from the dangers of tobacco.