Thirdhand smoke can affect those around smokers. (Source: CNN)(CNN) – We’ve heard a lot about secondhand smoke and how it can affect people. But scientists are finding thirdhand smoke can be dangerous too.
What is thirdhand smoke and how can it be avoided?
“Secondhand smoke is when somebody smokes in the presence of other people and they inhale that smoke. That causes all kinds of problems such as lung cancer, such as COPD, such as asthma and respiratory infections in children,” said Dr. Norman Edelman.
Now scientists are finding that thirdhand smoke, which is the fumes that come off somebody who has smoked elsewhere, can have a negative impact on our health, as well as our children’s.
“There’s evidence now that thirdhand smoke is a risk factor in children like chronic ear infections and chronic respiratory infections. And if your clothes reek of smoke, your hair reeks of smoke … your little child who has asthma is going to get an asthma attack, more than likely,” Edelman said.
How to avoid passing on your smoke to others? The American Lung Association says try to quit. If that’s not possible, take the smoking outside, where the air is less concentrated and the smoke fumes are not as heavy and won’t be left on clothing.
“Smokers should know that they’re not only doing damage to their own hearts and lungs and other organs, but they’re doing damage to the people around them,” Edelman said.
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