Third-hand smoke
Third-hand smoke
Third-hand smoke (pronunciation: /θɜːrd hænd smoʊk/) is the residual contamination from tobacco smoke that lingers in rooms long after smoking has stopped and remains on our clothes. The term was coined in 2009, and it is a relatively new concept in the field of smoking and tobacco control.
Etymology
The term "third-hand smoke" was first used in 2009 by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, the Dana–Farber/Harvard Cancer Center in Boston, and the University of California, Riverside. The term is derived from the concept that while first-hand smoke refers to the smoke inhaled by a smoker and second-hand smoke is the exhaled smoke and other substances emanating from the burning cigarette that are inhaled by non-smokers, third-hand smoke is the smoke residue that remains after the cigarette has been extinguished.
Health Effects
Third-hand smoke poses a potential health risk, especially to children who might ingest tobacco residue by touching contaminated surfaces and then putting their hands in their mouths. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that third-hand smoke contains more than 250 chemicals. Studies have shown that third-hand smoke can damage DNA and potentially cause cancer.
Related Terms
- First-hand smoke: The smoke directly inhaled by the smoker.
- Second-hand smoke: The exhaled smoke and other substances emanating from the burning cigarette that are inhaled by non-smokers.
- Passive smoking: The involuntary inhalation of smoke, usually by non-smokers from smokers.
- Nicotine: A potent parasympathomimetic stimulant and an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants that is a primary component in tobacco smoke.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Third-hand smoke
- Wikipedia's article - Third-hand smoke
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